Crackdown on scams preying on sick and elderly

China's top court has underscored its commitment to cracking down on fraud targeting people's livelihoods, saying the judiciary remains focused on a people-centered approach and promoting high-quality development.

On Monday, the Supreme People's Court singled out six significant fraud cases and urged courts nationwide to strengthen protections for vulnerable groups — including the elderly and disabled — against scams involving pensions and living subsidies. The court also stressed the role of judicial measures in safeguarding public well-being.

"In recent years, we've seen a surge in fraud cases across various sectors, including healthcare, eldercare, investment and financial management, and consumer spending," the court said, noting scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics that threaten property security and social stability.

One case involved a scammer, identified by the surname Ni, who was sentenced to 10 years and three months in prison by a Shanghai court on June 17 for defrauding elderly victims of more than 620,000 yuan ($87,670) through the sale of fake anti-cancer health products. The Shanghai Pudong New District People's Court also fined Ni 120,000 yuan and stripped him of political rights for one year.

According to the court, Ni planned the scheme with several others in late September 2024 and was responsible for supplying the products and arranging lecturers. From mid-November that same year, the group recruited salespersons who enticed seniors with free meals and small gifts, then transported them to rural guesthouses and restaurants in Shanghai. There, hired speakers delivered fabricated case studies and false claims that the products could prevent cancer and treat chronic diseases. Elderly attendees were persuaded to buy the products at prices several times above cost, resulting in illegal profits exceeding 620,000 yuan.

Ni was identified as the group's ringleader, and the court said other suspects are being prosecuted in separate cases.

The top court said health-related spending is closely tied to elderly rights, warning that some businesses exploit seniors' health concerns in order to drain retirement savings and cause both financial and physical harm. It encouraged older adults to remain cautious and avoid falling prey to false advertising, especially when it comes to wellness products.

While calling for tough punishment of those who defraud public benefit funds, the SPC also emphasized the need to boost legal awareness and issued a warning against fraudulent practices such as double pension claims and improper receipt of disability benefits.

In another case, a resident surnamed Yang in Hubei province was sentenced in April to three years in prison with a five-year reprieve, after he concealed his father-in-law's death and fraudulently collected more than 120,000 yuan in pension payments. He was also fined 20,000 yuan.

The court stressed the importance of social insurance funds, calling them critical to national security and the interests of insured individuals. It said family members must report a death and stop pension claims immediately.

"Yang, however, concealed a death and forged documents to fraudulently claim pensions, undermining the system and violating others' rights," it said, adding the ruling helps protect fund integrity and reinforces legal boundaries.