A growing number of Canadians are receiving fraudulent robocalls in Mandarin, falsely claiming that their phone service will be suspended or that they are involved in a legal matter. These scams are designed to create panic and pressure individuals into calling a fake customer service line, where scammers attempt to steal personal information or demand payment.
The scam typically starts with an automated call in Mandarin, instructing the recipient to “press 2 for Chinese” or warning that their phone service will be cut off. If the recipient follows the instructions or calls back, they are connected to a scammer posing as a phone carrier, government official, or bank representative. The scammer creates a sense of urgency, claiming the person is under investigation, has unpaid fees, or must take immediate action to avoid legal consequences. They may demand personal information such as a passport number, banking details, or Social Insurance Number. In some cases, victims are instructed to transfer money to a “safe account” that actually belongs to the scammers.
If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and block the number if possible. Do not press any buttons, as this confirms your number is active and could lead to more scam calls. Avoid calling back or engaging with the scammers, as they will try to manipulate and pressure you into compliance. Never share personal or financial information over the phone.
Here is a sample of the message,