Direct translation
New CCP Chinese scam: 42 million yuan scammed out of a hot pot meal
Editor: Shi Fang / Source: Sanli News Network / https://www.aboluowang.com/2025/1023/2295218.html
Fraudulent tactics are constantly evolving. A major elderly scam recently broke out in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China: over 600 elderly people were lured by a "free hot pot" promotion and ultimately lost a total of 42 million RMB to a scam ring. Some even lost their life savings.
According to CCTV News, the case initially appeared to be a standard promotional event. A company calling itself "XX Animal Husbandry" posted posters in the community, claiming to be hosting a "free hot pot experience" and inviting people to a hot pot restaurant with the slogan "Support Rural Revitalization, Adopt a Cow."
The atmosphere at the event was lively, with a hearty meal and small gifts offered to ease attendees' concerns.
During the meal, someone began promoting an "adopt a cow" program, claiming that with a simple investment of 10,000 RMB, one could adopt a cow, receive monthly dividends, and guarantee the safety of the principal, a formal contract, and the possibility of a site visit.
To create a sense of authenticity, the company also arranged a ranch tour, chartering vehicles to take investors to a cattle farm in Inner Mongolia for a tour, allowing them to take photos and feed the cattle to further reassure them.
Most seniors enthusiastically participated in the event with a sense of giving it a try. Soon, they actually received interest payments, which boosted their trust. Over time, many increased their investment and even encouraged their friends and family to join. However, one day, the company suddenly disappeared, and the hot pot restaurant closed.
Chinese police investigations revealed that the company's registered capital was extremely low, and a closer look revealed that all the contracts were fictitious. The fraud ring used the promise of "free hot pot" as bait to lure people into illegal investments. Currently, several suspects have been detained, and only some of the funds have been recovered.
Experts point out that the success of this type of scam targeting the elderly stems from the scammers' precise understanding of their desire for social interaction, trust in acquaintances, and pursuit of stable returns. They initially offer free services to attract customers, then pique their interest with high returns, and then employ a series of subsequent actions to create a sense of credibility.
Police warn that any activities claiming high returns, investments, or meal-before-investment schemes are almost always risky. Legitimate investment institutions will not use "dinner treats" as a solicitation tactic, nor will they promise fixed high returns. If you encounter such situations, you should conduct multiple investigations or ask family members for assistance to avoid falling into scams.
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