At a Glance
- Chinese students at Philadelphia universities are being threatened by callers posing as Chinese police officers.
- Victims are told to pay large sums or face arrest if they refuse to return to China for trial.
- The FBI has documented an uptick since 2022 and urges victims to report every incident.
- Why it matters: Tuition, housing, and personal savings are on the line, and silence only lets the scammers keep operating.
The FBI Philadelphia Division is warning that fraudsters are impersonating Chinese police to extort money from Chinese students at local universities, according to a January 16, 2026 press release obtained by News Of Philadelphia.
How the scam begins
A student receives a call that appears to originate from:
- A mobile phone carrier
- A major retailer
- A delivery service
- The Chinese Embassy or a consulate
The caller claims the student’s personal data has surfaced in a financial fraud investigation and then transfers the call to someone posing as a Chinese police investigator.
What “police” demand
The fake officer insists the student:
- Consent to 24/7 video and audio monitoring
- Keep the case secret from friends, family, and internet searches
- Send a large amount of money to a Chinese bank account-either by wire or crypto exchange-to prove innocence or post bail and avoid extradition to China
The scammer threatens arrest if the victim refuses.
Victim impact
“These scams leave real and lasting harm that extends far beyond a financial loss,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia. “This is why we continue to work closely with our partners across academia, law enforcement, and the public to identify victims and connect them with the resources they need. If you or someone you know has been impacted by a scam like this, please reach out. Pursuing justice and victim support remains our priority, and we will continue working to hold offenders accountable and ensure those harmed receive the assistance they need.”
Investigation timeline
| Year | Key development |
|---|---|
| 2022 | FBI Philadelphia begins tracking uptick in reports |
| January 16, 2026 | FBI issues public warning |
Reporting instructions
Victims or witnesses can file reports through:
- The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov)
- Their local FBI field office
Daniel J. Whitman reported that officials encourage anyone contacted in this manner to preserve phone numbers, messages, and transaction records as evidence.
