SHENZHEN Consumer Council recently exposed 35 health parlors that offered services and promoted products under the name of Tong Ren Tang, a time-honored and world-famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) brand founded in Beijing in 1669, during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The consumer council has received 76 complaints related to Tong Ren or Tong Ren Tang brands since 2018.

“I pre-paid 1,700 yuan (US$247) for 25 foot massage services and bought 27 back massage services for 3,000 yuan because of the reputation of the Tong Ren Tang brand,” said a female consumer surnamed Xiong. “They frequently changed massage masters, who were not professional, and rejected my request for reimbursement,” said Xiong.

The investigation by the council showed some companies utilized Tong Ren Tang to attract customers, then refused to provide reimbursement when disputes occurred and disappeared after consumers pre-paid for the services.

Beijing Tong Ren Tang Co. Ltd. confirmed that the parlors had no affiliation with the company. Consumers can call 400-606-1669 to confirm with Tong Ren Tang if they have any doubt, or call the consumer council to lodge a complaint. (Liu Jieyu)