Bellevue Police Warn Scammers Pose as Chinese Police Cost Millions

The Bellevue Police Department is warning young adults, primarily in their 20s and 30s, about a sophisticated scam involving fraudsters posing as Chinese law enforcement officers. These scammers falsely accuse victims of crimes like fraud, kidnapping, or human trafficking, demanding sensitive personal information such as fingerprint scans, Social Security numbers, passports, and tax forms to prove their innocence. Victims are then coerced into wiring large sums of money—ranging from hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars—to avoid arrest or asset freezes. The scammers reportedly use advanced tactics, including AI-generated video calls, to convince victims of their legitimacy. Police emphasize that legitimate law enforcement agencies never demand money to avoid arrest and caution residents to be vigilant, especially since victims seem targeted based on age, perceived wealth, and race. Several documented cases highlight the extensive financial losses and emotional distress suffered by the victims, underscoring the scam's severity and sophistication.