Scammers who took over £100,000 from Chinese international students by offering fake exam materials have been stopped by the Shanghai police.
Preparing for exams abroad can be stressful. In that moment, an offer of “insider exam materials” may sound tempting. However, a recent case shows how such promises can quickly turn into a costly scam. Learn how it works, spot warning signs, and protect yourself from financial loss.
How the Scam Works
The scheme often starts with a friendly message. Scammers pose as alumni or fellow students and reach out through social media or messaging apps. At first, they build trust. Then, they claim to have access to real exam questions and answers.
Next, they offer these materials at a relatively low price. This makes the deal feel both urgent and affordable. Once the student pays, the situation begins to change.
Soon after, the scammer asks for additional fees. They may call it a “deposit” or a “confidentiality fee.” The amounts can rise quickly, sometimes reaching thousands of pounds. However, even after multiple payments, the promised materials never arrive—or turn out to be useless.
In many cases, the content is simply copied from public sources or generated by AI. When students question the quality, scammers provide excuses, such as last-minute changes to exam questions. To keep the victim from reporting the case, they may even offer “assignment help” as compensation.
A Real Case Behind the Warning
This pattern recently appeared in a case handled by police in Shanghai’s Pudong district. A student studying overseas reported losing a significant amount of money after trusting someone who claimed to sell real exam materials, CNS reported.
Following an investigation, police uncovered a well-organised group operating from central China. The group had a clear structure, with members assigned different roles. Each person managed multiple social media accounts and contacted hundreds of students.
In total, the case involved more than one million yuan (approximately £110,000). Authorities arrested 23 suspects, and the investigation is still ongoing.
What You Should Watch For
Cases like this are not isolated. Instead, they reflect a broader trend, especially as AI tools make it easier to produce convincing but fake content.
For this reason, it is important to stay alert. Here are a few warning signs:
- Anyone claiming to sell “real” or “insider” exam questions
- Requests for extra payments after an initial fee
- Pressure to act quickly or keep the deal “confidential”
- Transactions that happen only through private messaging apps
If you encounter any of these, take a step back. Do not send money. Instead, verify information through official school channels or seek help from student services.
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