TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese students in France are facing a sharp rise in scam calls in which scammers impersonate Chinese embassy staff, CNA reported Saturday.
The Taipei Representative Office in France said reports of scam calls from students have risen sharply in recent months, with at least 20 to 30 cases recorded so far. Most victims are new arrivals, making them more vulnerable to deception.
Officials said scammers typically speak Mandarin and target Chinese broadly, but Taiwanese students have been affected. Fraudsters exploit fear and authority to pressure victims into compliance.
In common scenarios, callers impersonate Chinese embassy staff or law enforcement, using spoofed phone numbers and claiming the student is implicated in crimes such as money laundering or credit card fraud. Victims are told the matter is urgent and confidential.
Scammers often possess personal details, including names, phone numbers, and addresses, and demand passport copies and regular location updates. Some instruct victims to install messaging or screen-sharing apps to take part in “video investigations.”
During video calls, fraudsters stage fake police stations, wear uniforms, and force targets to sign secrecy pledges while cutting off contact with family. Victims are then persuaded to transfer large sums as “bail,” after which the scammers vanish.
The representative office urged students to hang up if they receive such calls and never transfer money or share personal information.
