Studying and living in China, having a local bank card is essential for paying tuition and covering daily expenses. However, from opening an account and applying for a card to withdrawing cash and making payments, every step may be targeted by criminals. Because some international students are not yet familiar with China’s financial environment, they can easily become targets of bank card theft and abnormal transaction scams, or even become unintentionally involved in illegal money laundering activities.

I. Scam Methods

Common tactics include: scammers impersonating bank staff or personnel from public security, procuratorial, and judicial organs and sending text messages falsely claiming that your account has abnormal transactions or is suspected of money laundering, then inducing you to click phishing links or transfer funds to a“safe account”. Some scammers also post information in part-time job groups claiming that you can ‘rent out bank cards to earn commissions’, luring students into lending their accounts for illegal fund transfers. Once your bank card is used for fraud or money laundering, your account may be frozen, and you may face credit penalties or even legal liability.

II. Prevention Tips

1. Protect core information: Never disclose your bank card number, password, or SMS verification code to anyone. Banks and the police will never ask for your verification code or request that you transfer money to a ’safe account’.

2. Refuse to lend your account: Do not lend your bank card or ID card to others for small gains. Renting out or lending accounts is illegal and has serious consequences.

3. Enable transaction alerts: It is recommended that you enable transaction notifications in mobile banking. If you notice any unauthorized deduction, immediately freeze your card and call the bank’s customer service or the police.

作者：邢露萍（海外教育学院）  审核：朱丹