THE city’s market inspection bureau warned that residents should be wary of marketing campaigns trying to trick customers, mostly the elderly, with “free experiences.”

The bureau has investigated 11 cases involving false advertising of health products by companies that target senior residents since March, the Southern Metropolis Daily reported yesterday.

The bureau’s law enforcers raided a marketing activity held in a Futian hotel Sunday. A so-called expert was giving a lecture to over 300 elderly residents — some of whom were diagnosed with various chronic diseases — and convincing them of the anti-cancer efficacy of certain health products sold by a Shenzhen-based company.

The law enforcement officers found that the event organizer had exaggerated the efficacy of the health products and advertised the medical efficacy of a non-medical product. The officers then raided the company’s seven branches in Shenzhen and found that the company was involved in false advertising. The bureau has filed a case for further investigation.

The bureau has launched an operation to crack down on irregularities in marketing campaigns that trick elderly customers with “free experiences” since March. The city’s market quality supervision administration has raided 1,413 stores across the city, seized over 1,000 products and ordered sellers to refund a total of 60,000 yuan (US$8,696) to customers.

Residents are warned to be wary of marketing activities that advertise the “magical efficacy” of certain food or medicines. They can call 12315 to verify a product’s authenticity. (Zhang Yang)