#4 "The victims of virtual kidnappings we have engaged are traumatised by what has occurred"
"While these phone calls appear to be random in nature, these scammers seem to be targeting vulnerable members of the Chinese-Australian community.
"NSW Police have been assured from the Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney that no person claiming to be from a Chinese authority such as police, procuratorates or the courts will contact a student on their mobile phone and demand monies to be paid or transferred. If this occurs, it is a scam.
"This year alone, NSW Police are aware of eight instances of virtual kidnappings where ransom payments that range between $20,000 (£11,000) to $500,000 (£277,250) and in one case - $2 million (£1.1 million) - have been paid.
"While we are working with our law enforcement colleagues to investigate the origins of these scams, we are urging the community to heed our warnings not to respond to the caller's demands."
NSW Police Force Corporate Sponsor for the Safety and Wellbeing of International Students, Assistant Commissioner Peter Thurtell, said virtual kidnappings have had a hugely damaging impact on victims.
He said: "The victims of virtual kidnappings we have engaged are traumatised by what has occurred, believing they have placed themselves, and their loved ones, in real danger.
"In these instances, it is often friends and family that encourage victims to come forward and report the crime to police, as victims feel embarrassed or ashamed by what has transpired.
"The community should be reassured that NSW Police will pursue these criminals through every investigative avenue available and that bilingual officers are on hand to assist those who speak English as a second language."
NSW Police
It is advised by the Police to the students that if they ever receive such calls, the way to handle the matter is to hang up the phone and then confirm the matter with the Chinese Consulate in Sydney and then report the matter to the NSW Police Force.