Bellevue police warns of alleged scammers posing as Chinese police over 1M lost

Bellevue Police Department is warning the public about a significant increase in fraud cases involving scammers impersonating Chinese law enforcement. Recent incidents have led to collective losses exceeding $1 million, with individual cases reaching up to $800,000. Victims report receiving threats of arrest or asset freezes, falsely alleging involvement in serious crimes such as fraud or human trafficking. One alarming case involved a scammer claiming a death was linked to the victim's alleged scams, adding urgency to the demands for money. Scammers often request sensitive documents, including social security numbers and passport copies, before instructing victims to wire large amounts to avoid legal repercussions.

Police assert that legitimate law enforcement will never demand money in exchange for avoiding arrest. The Bellevue Police Department encourages anyone who suspects they may have fallen victim to fraud to report it immediately. This warning highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance in the community regarding such scams.