Anti-Fraud Education
Can You Stay Rational in the Web of Deceit?
(Image from Global Times: Chinese Embassy to Myanmar
Fraud Prevention Knowledge - Online Scams
(1) What is Online Fraud?
Online fraud refers to the act of using fabricated facts or concealing the truth with the aim of illegal gain through the internet, deceiving individuals or organizations into surrendering substantial amounts of public or private property.
(2) Prevention Methods
Online fraud poses significant risks and can lead to substantial financial losses or personal threats. So, how can we learn to understand, recognize scam methods, and avoid falling into these traps?
1. Stay Calm and Assess Your Losses
2. Report the Scam and Avoid Second-time Victimization
3. Minimize Losses Through Vigilance
Spotlaw will continue to carry out awareness and education campaigns, firmly establishing anti-fraud concepts and enhancing the ability to prevent and resolve security risks.
Spotlaw team leading a discussion with local Xiangxi students regarding scams around our lives
Telecom network fraud seriously affects people's sense of achievement, happiness, and security. In the public's perception, the majority of victims of telecom network fraud are elderly individuals unfamiliar with the internet and new technology, young people just entering the workforce in need of stable financial sources, or middle-aged individuals frequently involved in investment, finance, and the stock market. Little do they know that students, who are less associated with money in their inherent impression, are becoming the new targets of fraudsters.
On one hand, a large amount of information about minors is improperly collected and used by internet applications and is even pushed to malicious individuals. On the other hand, minors with issues such as addiction to online games, high-value rewards, excessive recharges, and excessive consumption are tempted by various tricks in the virtual world, almost unable to resist the myriad of scams, and unaware that they have fallen into a trap.
Fake online shopping refunds, impersonation of e-commerce logistics customer service, posing as acquaintances, "loan sharking," and more continually ensnare student groups in fraud traps.
Spotlaw Anti-Fraud education themed drama
Let's learn how to protect ourselves from scams.
Fake Online Shopping Refunds Scam
Real Case:
The Anti-Fraud Center of Songming County Public Security Bureau in Kunming, Yunnan Province, received a consultation call from a university student named Liu. Liu joined a part-time job group for university students organized by the group leader, who encouraged students to earn "pocket money" by completing tasks like fake online shopping orders. After successfully completing a few initial orders and receiving small commissions, Liu became convinced of the legitimacy of the platform and decided to take on bigger tasks. However, due to financial constraints, Liu had to borrow money from her parents to fund these larger tasks. When Liu's mother heard her description, she suspected it might be a scam and advised her to contact the local anti-fraud center. After consulting with the police, Liu's actions on the fake online shopping platform were immediately stopped, and she received anti-fraud education. In the end, Liu was able to recover more than 16,000 yuan in losses.
Scam Method:
Fraudsters post part-time job information claiming to reimburse the purchase cost immediately after the transaction and offer additional commissions. Initially, they provide small rebates for the first few transactions. As transaction amounts increase, the fraudsters find various reasons to avoid reimbursing the victims.
Scam Prevention:
Participating in fake online shopping orders is illegal. Do not be greedy for "easy money" or believe in high returns. Be cautious when dealing with any form of online shopping refunds.
Operation Enrollment Fraud
Real Case:
Ms. Dai was worried about her son's enrollment in school. She encountered a man near the old sports stadium in Sheyang County who claimed to be able to help her "enroll" her son in school. She transferred 15,000 yuan to him and entrusted him with the task. Only when the registration period ended did she realize that her son had not been admitted. Her son then reported the case to the police, describing it as a fraud.
Scam Method:
Scammers claim they can use personal connections to "enroll" students. After parents transfer money, the scammers disappear.
Scam Prevention:
Do not trust individuals claiming to have special connections. Hard work and dedication to studying are the only paths to a better education.
Scam Prevention:
Do not harbor the illusion of "internal answers" and score manipulation techniques. Properly prepare for your exams to stay on the right path.
Scholarship Scam
Real Case:
In October 2019, the police in Changzhou, Jiangsu, received a report from a college student who had been defrauded. The student received a call from someone claiming to be a teacher at the school, saying that the student had won a scholarship. To claim the scholarship, the student was asked to provide personal bank card information. After doing so, the student discovered that the money had disappeared from their account.
Scam Method:
Criminals impersonate school teachers or staff, call students, and accurately provide the students' names and student numbers. They gain the students' trust and then ask for personal bank card information to release the scholarship.
Scam Prevention:
College students should raise their awareness of self-protection, protect personal information, and avoid transferring money to strangers. If in doubt about financial aid policies, consult with teachers or relevant financial aid departments.
Impersonation of E-commerce Logistics Customer Service Scam
Real Case:
A college student in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, recently received a phone call from someone claiming to be a courier. The caller told the student that a package addressed to him had been mistakenly sent to another location. To resolve the issue, the student needed to provide personal information, including his name, address, and ID number. The student realized it was a scam and reported it to the police.
Scam Method:
Scammers pose as e-commerce logistics customer service representatives or couriers. They contact individuals and claim that packages have been sent to the wrong address or have issues. They then request personal information from the victims to allegedly resolve the problem.
Scam Prevention:
Be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or messages related to e-commerce deliveries. Do not provide personal information to unknown individuals.
"Loan Sharking" Scam
Real Case:
A college student in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, fell victim to a "loan sharking" scam. The student borrowed a small amount of money online and quickly repaid it. However, the lender continued to harass the student, demanding more money and threatening to harm the student's family. The student ended up borrowing more money to pay off the lender, falling into a cycle of debt. The student reported the case to the police, who arrested the suspects involved in the scam.
Scam Method:
Fraudulent lenders offer seemingly convenient loans with high interest rates. After borrowers take out a loan, the lenders use various tactics, including threats and harassment, to force borrowers into borrowing more money and falling into a cycle of debt.
Scam Prevention:
Avoid borrowing money from online lenders with unclear terms and high interest rates. If you encounter harassment or threats from lenders, report the incident to the police.
Fake Investment Scam
Real Case:
A college student in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, was lured into a fake investment scam through WeChat. The student received a message from a stranger who claimed to have an investment opportunity with high returns. The scammer convinced the student to invest a large sum of money, promising substantial profits. After the student transferred the money, the scammer disappeared, and the investment opportunity turned out to be fake.
Scam Method:
Scammers contact individuals on social media platforms or messaging apps, offering investment opportunities with high returns. They use persuasive tactics to convince victims to invest money, which is then stolen.
Scam Prevention:
Be skeptical of investment opportunities offered by strangers online. Conduct thorough research and seek advice from financial professionals before investing money.
In recent years, with the widespread use of smartphones and the internet, online fraud has become increasingly prevalent, and fraudsters are using more sophisticated methods to deceive victims. College students, in particular, are vulnerable to these scams due to their limited life experience and exposure to the digital world. To avoid falling victim to online fraud, it's crucial for students to stay informed about common scam methods and adopt protective measures.
Impersonating Familiar Contacts Scam
Real case:
On January 20th, Mr. Wan, a resident of Suqian, Jiangsu, received a message on WeChat from a person named Mr. Qiu, who voluntarily sent a friend request. Mr. Wan noticed that the profile picture on WeChat was a snapshot of his friend, Mr. Qiu, while giving a speech in a certain place. Since Mr. Wan was quite familiar with Mr. Qiu, he didn't think much of it and immediately accepted the friend request on WeChat.
A few days later, the WeChat account initiated a conversation with Mr. Wan, exchanging a few brief messages. Afterward, the account sent a message stating that they were planning to give a gift to their superior and needed some help from a well-connected person. They requested Mr. Wan to assist in transferring 180,000 yuan as a gift payment and provided a bank account number. Without further verification, Mr. Wan transferred 180,000 yuan to the provided account through mobile banking.
Subsequently, the WeChat account asked Mr. Wan to transfer another portion of the money and provided a different bank account. This pattern repeated four times until Mr. Wan had no more cash left. A few days later, when Mr. Wan inquired with Mr. Qiu at his office about the loan, he realized that he had been deceived.
Upon investigation by the police, it was discovered that this case was a typical example of impersonating a familiar contact for fraudulent purposes. The fraudsters exploited the psychological trust between acquaintances to request money transfers under false pretenses. The case is currently under further investigation.
Scam method:
Adding Friends Using a Friend's Profile Picture + "Temporary Loan"
Scam prevention:
Always Verify When Lending Money to Familiar Contacts
Regardless of who asks you to transfer money via WeChat, QQ, or SMS, always verify using methods like phone calls or video calls; never transfer funds blindly. If you suspect that you've been deceived, report it to the authorities promptly.
Remember the following tips to protect yourself from online fraud:
1. Be Skeptical: Always be cautious when receiving unsolicited messages or calls that put you in an disadvantageous situation. Be skeptical of these stories the scammers put you in.
2. Verify Identity: If someone contacts you claiming to be from an official organization or company, verify their identity through official channels before sharing any personal information or making payments.
3. Avoid Impulsive Decisions: Don't make impulsive financial decisions based on promises of high returns or quick profits. Take your time to research and assess any investment opportunities.
4. Protect Personal Information: Never share sensitive personal information, such as bank account details, ID numbers, or passwords, with unknown individuals or online platforms.
5. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect any fraudulent activity, report it to the relevant authorities, such as the police or your school's security department.
6. Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest scam methods and fraud prevention tips to stay one step ahead of scammers.
Reference: 新华网 and 公安部刑侦局. 2021. “反诈防骗指南.” Edited by 吴楠 and 郝孟佳. Legal.People.Com.Cn. September 6, 2021. Accessed October 7, 2023. http://legal.people.com.cn/n1/2021/0906/c438601-32218927.html.
For more info on Anti-Fraud, see Anti-Fraud themed Drama
