All students should be alive to the potential for fraudulent activity. There have been recent cases of Chinese students being deliberately targeted and significant sums of money being fraudulently obtained.
Some recent examples in the UK are:
- Criminals posing as authorities e.g. Chinese Embassy, Police, Immigration, Court or Judicial system etc. in mainland China and/or Hong Kong, requiring contact and payment for alleged outstanding fines, bail money (surety), payment of a warrant, incorrect Visa etc,
- There is a problem with a package to be delivered and the student needs to make contact with a courier or tax office to get it resolved requiring contact and payment.
- A friend or family member is in trouble and money needs to be paid to help them.
- A request for money needing to be transferred via the students bank account.
- Requests via social media, to link up and send intimate photographs which are then used in sextortion to demand money.
"What should I do if I am contacted or I have any concerns?"
Firstly DO NOT
- Return the approach.
- Send or agree to handle any money.
- Give your contact details.
- Send any intimate photographs.
- Swap to a different mobile phone.
- Swap to a different social media provider.
- Leave your normal accommodation and go to an unknown address.
Secondly, DO
- Contact the Police via 999 to verify what is being alleged or requested.
- Contact the Chinese Embassy to confirm the validity or truthfulness of the situation with the relevant legal Chinese authority. 020 7299 4049 or 020 7631 1430.
- Contact Campus Security 01227 823300 or security@kent.ac.uk , we are 24/7 365.
- Speak to Student Support & Wellbeing 01227 823158 or KentSSW@kent.ac.uk (Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00).