Ministry warns of 'asset unfreezing' fraud

(ECNS) -- The Ministry of Public Security of China has warned the public to stay alert about fraud that claims to unfreeze assets of Chinese nationals and reward individuals.

In such fraud, people usually get a phone call from someone who claims to be an official or leader from the central government tasked with the mission of unfreezing large amounts of assets, Liu Zhongyi, director of the ministry’s Criminal Investigation Bureau, told a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.

In the scam, people are often encouraged to become a member of an organization or a fund by paying tens or hundreds of yuan with the promise that they would be rewarded with amounts 10 times or more “when assets are unfrozen”, said Liu.

Such fraud can be initiated through phone calls, emails or messages on the instant messaging software QQ and social networking app WeChat, he said.

Liu warned that anyone found spreading information about unfreezing assets of Chinese nationals, taking fees to form online groups or instigating people to assemble in Beijing will be suspected of legal violations and will be dealt with by police. 

He reminded the public to be vigilant and avoid such instances.