An exchange student from Macau was recently tricked into a “virtual kidnapping” scam while in Europe. This resulted in the student experiencing both physical and emotional damage, as well as academic setbacks and losing a lot of money. Luckily, the victim was able to escape without any harm.

There have been multiple instances of telephone scams specifically targeting Chinese exchange students who are studying abroad. These scammers take advantage of the students’ unfamiliarity with their new environment and lack of experience, posing as various law enforcement agencies, such as Chinese public security or Interpol, to intimidate and threaten the victims. They use illicit methods like fund tracing, provocation, and capturing fake “kidnapping” videos to extort money from the students. Unfortunately, these scams have succeeded multiple times, causing significant financial losses and emotional trauma to the victims.

As international exchange programmes are starting up again, a growing number of students from Macau are traveling and studying abroad. In light of this trend, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Macau strongly advises all Macau citizens, especially international students, to be more aware of their safety, adopt practical precautions, stay extremely cautious of the “virtual kidnapping” scam, and protect their safety and belongings.

I. To ensure your safety, follow these preventive measures:

1. Safeguard your personal information by securely storing important documents like passports, ID cards, phone numbers, bank account details, and passwords. And refrain from revealing personal and family details.
2. Be wary of unknown phone calls, especially those that claim to be from law enforcement agencies, investigating authorities, or courier services. Hang up immediately and verify the caller’s identity with the police, embassy, or consulate. Inform your family, teachers, and classmates about the incident.
3. Always remember to be cautious and never transfer money. Actual law enforcement agencies, embassies, and consulates will never ask you to switch off your communication devices, evacuate, or record videos of being attacked or kidnapped. They will also not request your bank details or demand money transfers. Please do not fall for false claims and pressure tactics.

II. Handle fraud situations calmly:

In case of a leak of personal information, such as ID documents, bank information, and phone numbers, remain composed and take action to protect yourself. Quickly change passwords and adjust accounts and advise your family and friends to be vigilant of impersonation fraud.

If parents receive any messages demanding ransom for their children’s alleged “kidnapping,” first, maintain your composure, then immediately inform the local police and Chinese law enforcement agencies, contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in the area, and reach out to the National Anti-Fraud Center of China for assistance. 

III. Plan ahead by setting up emergency contacts:

1. The Embassies and Consulates of the People’s Republic of China and foreign police hotlines can be found in the “Know Your Destination” column of the China Consular Service website or in the “China Consular Affairs” APP;
2. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Global Emergency Call for Consular Protection and Services: 0086-10-12308 or 0086-10-65612308;
3. The Consular Protection and Service hotline of the Office of the Commissioner of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in Macao SAR: 00853-66888353;
4. The National Anti-Fraud Center of China: Please call 110 when in Mainland China. Call 0086-10-110 in Beijing and 0086-20-110 in Guangzhou;
5. The Macao SAR Government hotlines: Macao Judiciary Police at 00853-993, Public Security Police Force at 00853-28573333.