$2.5M Scam Targets Chinese Immigrants In NYC, Officials Say

MANHATTAN, NY — A phone scam targeting Mandarin-speaking Chinese immigrants in New York City has stolen at least $2.5 million in the last five months, officials cautioned.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman warned New Yorkers to be alert for such telephone scams, in which fraudsters impersonate the Chinese Consulate to demand payment. Schneiderman’s office said the scammers are targeting New Yorkers with Chinese last names, including recent immigrants.

“It’s unconscionable that someone would prey on New Yorkers — including vulnerable recent immigrants — to try to turn a profit,” Schneiderman said in a statement. “As these scammers continue to target people across the state, I’m urging all New Yorkers to be on high alert and immediately contact the FTC if they receive such a call.”

The scam works by impersonating the Chinese Consulate, and telling victims that they have to pick up a package or threatening them with arrest if they don’t provide financial information.

Some scammers left callback numbers that rerouted to a 911 call center in Arkansas, Schneiderman’s office said. The call center has received more than 500 calls from New Yorkers since Wednesday morning.

Since December 2017, 21 Chinese immigrants have lost a total of $2.5 million from the scam, according to the NYPD.

Image credit: Shutterstock / ImYanis