POLICE in Longgang District have detained 12 suspects who allegedly cheated men out of money by pretending to be rich, marriage-seeking women from Hong Kong.

    The suspects allegedly managed to cheat people from across China out of more than 10 million yuan (US$1.6 million), according to yesterday’s report by Shenzhen Economic Daily.

    The suspects were caught in a villa in Huizhou, where police also seized more than 40 computers and mobile phones, over 20 bank cards and guidebooks on how to cheat people by pretending to be a wealthy, marriage-seeking woman.

    The guidebooks, like cookbooks for marriage fraud, detail each step of the scheme. For instance, they explain what to do on the first four days after an applicant responds to a marriage-seeking advertisement made by a fictious woman surnamed Wang.

    According to the guidebook, the scammer, pretending to be Wang, should stick to sending greetings on the first day. On the second day, “Wang” should provide more details about “herself,” including statements that indicate her ownership of several factories. On the third day, “Wang” should tell of her experiences in Hong Kong. On the fourth day, “Wang” should express her intentions to confirm a relationship with the applicant.

    Longgang police received a report of marriage fraud from a man, surnamed Liu, on March 30, and then launched an investigation.

    Liu said he saw a marriage-seeking advertisement from a woman named Wang and proceeded to make initial contact with her.

    Several calls followed and “Wang” sent her picture to Liu in an SMS message. In a matter of days, Liu and “Wang” confirmed their relationship.

    On March 29, “Wang” called Liu saying she had damaged a camera lens belonging to someone at an airport in Beijing. She asked Liu to transfer 6,700 yuan to her for repair. Liu complied with her request.

    Later, “Wang” asked Liu to transfer an additional 20,000 yuan to her account as compensation for the camera lens, which, she claimed, could not be repaired.

    When “Wang” continued asking Liu to send more money, next by claiming that she fainted at the airport, Liu realized he might be falling victim to a fraud scheme. He then contacted the police, who are still investigating the case. (Martin Li)