We want to warn students to be aware of a scam targeting international students which has just surfaced in New Zealand.
Scammers call the intended victims pretending to be Chinese officials, warning them they are being implicated in a crime in China.
In order to avoid being arrested, deported or legal action, the victims must pay a fee.
Victims are then asked to sever all contact with friends and family for a few days, rent a hotel room and take pictures or video recordings of themselves blindfolded and bound.
These images and footage are then sent to their family and friends overseas, usually through WeChat, to exert pressure into paying the ransom.
Police say you should not answer the phone or respond to WeChat messages if you did not know the person or suspect they could be a scammer.
If you are contacted about anything in relation to this, please contact the New Zealand Police, or Lincoln University.
Here’s some advice from Netsafe https://www.netsafe.org.nz/scam-tips/
Keep your personal information secure and be sure to think carefully before entering your details online, or giving them to someone. Protect information that can be used to access your accounts, build a fake online presence or impersonate you including:
• Login details and passwords to any online account including banking, email, social media and trading sites
• Bank account and credit card details
• Address
• Phone number
• Birthdate
• Personal information linked to the security questions on your online accounts
• Driver’s license
• Passport details
There are also cyber-security tips here https://www.cert.govt.nz/individuals/guides/getting-started-with-cyber-security/get-started-cyber-security/
