Police across the Lower Mainland are warning people about a telephone scam targeting Chinese students.

The scam involves someone claiming to work for the Chinese Embassy telling would-be victims they are suspects in a large investigation.

Investigators said people are told they will be arrested if they don't give up private information.

Sgt. Jeff Scott with the New Westminster Police Department said a fraudster told one woman that if she didn't cooperate with demands she would be arrested.

He said they've received three complaints where people have given up identity and financial information.

"We've been working with them to contact Passport Canada and the Chinese embassy to get their passport information updated, as well as working with their financial institutions to ensure that they don't lose any money," said Scott.

North Vancouver RCMP are also warning about a similar scam, after getting a complaint about a person claiming to be a police officer in China.

With files from Meera Bains