The Chinese nationals I know 30 years ago, both emigrants who were in my high school and the young adults who came to the US for college or grad school, did not have that happen to them.

What does "do as you're told" mean? Use that suggestion as a nickname instead of one chosen voluntarily? Or go to the courthouse and get your name legally changed?

Since I don't know who the person is, your suggestion is rather hard to follow up on.

It could also be your friend was very gullible.

Since you say it happens all the time, surely there should be more examples, yes?