Politics · China · 2 hrs ago
China warns of scams by people posing as national security officials
China’s Ministry of State Security has warned people about fraudsters posing as national security officials or as companies linked to the agency.
The warning describes two cases in China.
In one, a man falsely claimed he was a senior official who could influence court cases and arrange reduced sentences; he was sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison for fraud and impersonation.
In another, a company head claimed the business was connected to the agency and offered help securing state-owned enterprise status or completing projects.
That case is still being investigated.
The ministry says scammers may build trust with invented credentials, promise special access or favors, and then demand fees before delaying or disappearing.
It says hiring and law enforcement by the agency follow strict rules, and offers to arrange jobs, projects or influence in exchange for money are scams.
People can report suspected impersonation through the national security hotline, online platform, official social media account or local agency.
China’s national security authorities warned that scammers are posing as officials or claiming links to the security agencies.
The warning described people inventing official identities and promising access to jobs, business projects or influence over legal cases.
Scammers may demand “fees” and then delay, or disappear after receiving money.
The authorities cited two cases, including one man sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison.
They urged the public to report suspected impersonation through official channels, including the 12339 hotline.
- Who
- China’s national security authorities warned the public about scammers posing as security officials or claiming links to the agencies.
- What
- The authorities described scams involving false identities, promises of special access and demands for money.
- When
- The warning was published on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- China.
- Why
- Some people have limited knowledge of the national security agencies, and scammers exploit that information gap.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Publication date
- 12 October 2026
- Sentence
- 12 years and six months in prison for a man convicted of fraud and impersonating a state organ worker
- Illegal gains
- More than 5 million yuan in the first case
- Ongoing case
- The second case was still under investigation
- Reporting hotline
- 12339
What people are saying
Any acts under the banner of the national security agencies to ‘help solicit projects,’ ‘arrange jobs,’ ‘pull strings’ or ‘demand remittances and transfers’ are traps set by criminals.
Sources
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