Fremont police are warning residents, particularly seniors in the city’s Chinese community, about a scam in which callers demand identification or payment for medical care allegedly performed in China.
Police said the scheme typically starts with a caller posing as a medical or insurance provider who falsely claims the victim had medical procedures done overseas.
When the victim disputes the charges, the caller arranges a video call with a person dressed as Chinese law enforcement. That impersonator then asks for personal information, photos, or money, and may accuse the victim of a crime, according to the police.
Once scammers obtain personal information, they can steal money from bank accounts, apply for credit cards or loans, and impersonate victims to target others, police said.
Fremont police urged residents not to give out personal information such as Social Security numbers, passports or banking details over the phone.