Draft law would allow prosecutors to sue fraudsters

Prosecutors will be allowed to initiate public-interest litigation against telecom and online fraud, a draft law that is being reviewed by China's top legislature states.

If scammers are found to have harmed national or public interests, prosecutors could initiate lawsuits against them, said the draft law, which was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for a third review on Tuesday.

In recent years, China has stepped up efforts to fight fraud. To make their efforts more targeted, the draft requires government agencies, including market regulators and civil affairs and education authorities, to provide more information and tips to the elderly and the youth, two groups of people who are particularly vulnerable to fraud.

The departments should promote fraud awareness in schools, enterprises, communities and villages, the draft said.

Telecom, banking, finance and internet companies are also asked to remind clients or consumers to be on alert for new types of fraud, it added.

The draft has been reviewed by the top legislature for discussion twice, in October last year and in June. In China, a draft generally will become a law after it is read three times.