Don’t Fall Victim: How Scammers Are Posing as Chinese Authorities to Steal Your Money

Police in San Francisco are alerting the Chinese community about a horrifying scam that is defrauding people, particularly senior citizens, of their hard-earned money.

Scammers are phoning victims and accusing them of crimes they did not commit while posing as Chinese police officers. To persuade their targets to pay substantial sums of money, they employ intimidation, terror, and even phony video conversations with individuals in uniform.

Many victims believe the fraud to be genuine, and by the time they discover the reality, their money has already been lost.

How the Scam Works

It begins with a call from a Mandarin or Cantonese-speaking individual. The caller identifies themselves as being from the Chinese Embassy, the Public Security Bureau, or another official agency.

“Your identity has been linked to a crime in China,” is the next claim.

Victims are informed that they are implicated in fraud, money laundering, or other major crimes. The con artist claims that moving money right away to a “safe” account is the only way to prevent being arrested, deported, or having their bank accounts closed.

If the victim hesitates, the threats get worse. Scammers may even set up fake video calls, showing people dressed in police uniforms to make it look official. In some cases, they tell victims not to speak to anyone else about the call—isolating them from family and friends who might have warned them it was a scam.

Real Victims, Real Losses

Sadly, this isn’t just a warning—it’s already happening in San Francisco.

• A 69-year-old woman in the Bayview District lost $90,000 after being told she was under investigation for financial crimes.

• A 77-year-old woman in the Richmond District was tricked into handing over $62,000 for a fake “cleansing” of her money.

• In just a few months, victims in San Francisco have lost nearly $400,000, and police believe there are many more cases that haven’t been reported.

What San Francisco Police Are Doing

SFPD is working hard to raise awareness and stop these scams. They’ve teamed up with local organizations like Self Help for the Elderly to create videos and educational materials in Mandarin and Cantonese, helping the community recognize and avoid these fraudsters.

They also want to encourage victims to come forward. Many people feel ashamed after being scammed, but reporting it could prevent others from becoming the next target.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

If you get a call like this, here’s what to remember:

• No real police officer or government official will ever ask for money over the phone. If someone does, it’s a scam.
• Never send money or share personal information—especially banking details—with someone you don’t know.
• Verify first. If you’re unsure whether a call is real, hang up and contact the agency directly through an official number.
• Talk to someone you trust. Scammers try to isolate victims—don’t let them. Speak with family or friends before taking action.
• Report suspicious calls. Even if you didn’t lose money, reporting the scam helps authorities track these criminals.

How to Report a Scam

If you or someone you know has been targeted, don’t stay silent. Here’s how to report it:

• Call 9-1-1 if you’re in immediate danger.
• Visit a police station to file a report.
• Call SFPD’s dispatch line at (415) 553-0123.
• Report anonymously by calling (415) 575-4444 or texting “SFPD” to TIP411.
• For Cantonese speakers, a special hotline is available at (415) 553-9212 or 1-855-737-3847.

Spread the Word—Protect Your Community

Confusion, anxiety, and secrecy are what scammers feed on. Raising awareness is the most effective approach to respond to this.

If you know someone who may be at risk, especially an elderly friend or family member, please take a moment to let them know. They could prevent the loss of everything with only a single talk.

No one should have their funds defrauded. By remaining vigilant and aware, we may prevent these offenders from escaping.