Deadline for defrauders to surrender will largely reduce telecom frauds

THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY, along with the Supreme People's Court and four other State departments, issued a notice on Sept 23 setting Oct 31 as the deadline for telecom defrauders to surrender to police. Those who confess to their crimes before the deadline might get a lighter penalty, and those who don't will face severe consequences. This is widely seen as a move to end the rampant defrauding of people via phones. Beijing News welcomes the move:

There have been many cases about telecom defrauders, pretending to be public security or judiciary officials, calling people and telling them to transfer money to a certain bank account. Such criminals have not only cheated people of their money but also have been responsible for some deaths - several victims have suffered heart attacks or committed suicide.

The notice will deter defrauders from cheating more people, and is within the legal framework, because there is a provision in law to hand down lighter punishment to those who admit their crimes.