With the start of another back-to-school season, many students are eagerly returning to their campus to begin a fruitful semester. Unfortunately, more and more have become victims of growing scams/ frauds aimed to swindle their tuition. Ms. He, one of the freshmen in the university, was an easy prey for the con artists. About 30,000 CNY of her tuition had been cheated. Ms. Xu, another victim of these crooked schemes, died of a heart attack after reporting to the police. These same tragedies happen in succession every year. In the effort of putting an end to this, you should keep these advices in mind.

[How the fraud works]

1. The impostor will claim that he or she is one of your acquaintances or school/ government authorities

2. Scammers may deceive you by informing your air-ticket should be changed.

3. The scammer may pilfer the QQ of your friend to ask you for wire transfer.

4.  Scams/ Frauds from online shopping

5. A scammer may even pose as a family relative in need of emergency cash for a medical emergency or because that person claims to have been arrested.

6. Fraudulent message that you won a prize.

7. Fraudulent subsidies.

8. Fraudulent ATM notice

9. Beguiled by the employment of part-time job.

[How to avoid fraudsters]

1. Be wary and skeptical. Verify the legitimacy of any request before cooperating

2. Take care of personal belongings and valuables

3. Pay close attention to impersonation scams

4. Do not believe door-to-door salesmen.

5. Find a trusted resource to obtain part-time job.

6. Do not open URL link sent from stranger. 

7. Do not answer phone call from numbers that begin with 170.

Scams and frauds will continue to evolve especially when the new semester begins, raise your vigilance when you come to school.

(OEC)