On April 16, 2018, Consul General Hong Lei met with Mr. Noel Sanchez, Director of Organized Crime Bureau of Chicago Police Department (CPD) to discuss rampant telecom frauds in Chicago targeting overseas Chinese.

Consul General Hong Lei stated that since last November, telecom fraud activities targeting overseas Chinese and Chinese students in the Chicago area have run rife, severely disrupting their lives and work. Many victims have also suffered financial losses. These fraud activities have caused great indignation among overseas Chinese and Chinese students. Moreover, some of these phone scams fraudulently used Chinese Consulate’s phone number to deceive their victims, disrupting normal operation and tainting the image of the Chinese Consulate. The Chinese Consulate pays close attention to the rampage of telecom frauds. It is strongly urged that the Chicago Police Department conduct effective investigation and take active measures so as to crack these cases to protect the property of overseas Chinese and Chinese students, and help maintain the normal operation and reputation of the Chinese Consulate General in Chicago. In the meantime, the Consulate General hopes that the CPD will issue an warning to Chicago citizens regarding the telecom frauds so as to raise their awareness.

Director Sanchez said that investigating and cracking down on organized crimes is an important task of the CPD. He attaches great importance to the situation and the relevant requests from Consul General Hong Lei. He added that the CPD has begun its investigation into these cases and it welcomes clues and tips from the public. At the same time, the CPD will highlight recent incidents of telecom frauds on its website to raise the awareness of the public.

The Chinese Consulate General in Chicago hereby once again reminds overseas Chinese and Chinese students in the Consular District to heighten your vigilance. Please be alert of fraudulent phone calls, texts, or voice messages impersonating staff members of the Chinese Consulate General in Chicago or officers of the Chinese police, prosecutor’s office or court. When receiving phone calls requesting your bank account information or wire transfer of money, you should immediately hang up the phone to avoid falling victim to their scam. If you have already suffered financial loss from these phone calls, please immediately contact local police department and request your bank to rescind or terminate relevant payment process. You should also ask your family members in China to report these frauds to local police authorities.

*Police call of the US: 911

* Consular Assistance and Protection in Chicago: 312-780-0170

* Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Call Center, Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

+86-10-12308 or +86-10-59913991