Elderly Residents Targeted in E-Fraud Scheme Using E-Medical Insurance Card Activation

Elderly Residents in China Targeted in E-Fraud Scheme

A recent investigation by China Central Television (CCTV) revealed a disturbing trend of e-fraud targeting elderly residents in rural areas. The report exposed how over 10,000 elderly individuals in Henan Province had their personal information exploited during the activation of their e-medical insurance cards.

The scheme involved criminal gangs posing as third-party platform staff, using the e-medical insurance card activation process as a cover to steal personal information. They then used this information to create Alipay accounts in the victims' names, which were subsequently sold to criminal syndicates involved in online gambling and money laundering.

The investigation uncovered a sophisticated crime syndicate operating under the guise of a tech company. These individuals had obtained official recommendation letters from local medical insurance departments, lending them credibility and facilitating their access to unsuspecting villagers.

The lack of oversight by the medical insurance bureau and management center in Dengzhou allowed the criminals to exploit the system and steal data on a large scale. Two officials responsible for issuing recommendation letters were given disciplinary warnings.

The Dengzhou People's Court sentenced 32 individuals involved in the scheme to prison and fines for infringing on residents' personal information. The Dengzhou People's Procuratorate also issued recommendations to the city's medical insurance bureau, urging them to strengthen security measures and better protect residents' personal information.

This case highlights the vulnerability of elderly populations to e-fraud schemes and the need for increased vigilance and protection measures. It also underscores the importance of proper oversight and accountability within government agencies to prevent such exploitation.