LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA – The Lafayette Police Department has issued a warning about a phone scam targeting Chinese and Chinese-American residents.
According to the department, scammers speaking Mandarin are calling individuals and falsely identifying themselves as members of the “Chinese Police.” They claim that the person receiving the call—or a close family member—will be arrested by Chinese authorities in the U.S. unless they transfer money.
Police say the scam can be highly elaborate, sometimes involving multiple individuals to make it seem more credible. Authorities emphasize that Chinese police have no jurisdiction in the U.S. and cannot make arrests here.
Residents who receive such calls demanding money are urged to contact the Lafayette Police Department’s 24-hour dispatch line at 925-284-5010 to speak with an on-duty officer. If someone visits a home making similar threats or demands, or if anyone feels their safety is at risk, they should call 911 immediately.
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