Beijing police recently arrested over 30 individuals suspected of fraud in connection with a large-scale scam targeting elderly residents.
Police uncovered the scheme after the family of an elderly woman discovered she had spent 700,000 yuan (approximately 2.7 billion VND) at one of the medical centers involved.
The woman initially visited the center to purchase a foot massage voucher priced at 38 yuan (150,000 VND). Staff at the center were notably enthusiastic and attentive towards her.
To foster a sense of deep care, staff members made sure to remember everyone's birthdays, creating the illusion that they cared more about the elderly individuals than their own children did.
Through sweet talk and attentive gestures, victims were persuaded to purchase numerous expensive treatment courses, each costing tens of thousands of yuan.
When the elderly woman ran out of money and decided to discontinue treatment, clinic staff even urged her to pawn her gold bracelet, asking, "If your illness cannot be cured, what do you need money for?"
Beijing police indicated that the suspects specifically targeted wealthy elderly individuals living alone or those who, despite having children, felt emotionally lonely.
The perpetrators' staff would frequent senior centers or other places where elderly people often gathered, offering free "expert" medical consultations.
These fake experts would then inform the elderly that they were suffering from illnesses and required special, long-term treatment.
To convince their victims, consultants would perform an intestinal cleansing procedure, adding soy sauce to the cleansing solution. This deception led the elderly to believe their bodies contained harmful toxins.
Police reported that the medical center's revenue exceeded 30 million yuan (120 billion VND), an amount deemed highly unusual for such an establishment.
One victim reportedly spent over two million yuan (nearly 8 billion VND) on these fraudulent treatments.
Police confirmed the involvement of a large-scale fraud ring, which operated over 20 shops disguised as medical centers across various districts in Beijing.
These centers employed fake experts to intimidate elderly individuals and exploit their loneliness and fundamental need for care and attention.
By the end of 2025, China will have 323 million people aged 60 and above, representing 23% of the total population. Of this demographic, 60% are reportedly childless or have children living separately, making them particularly vulnerable to such schemes.
Hai Thu (According to SCMP)
