Beijing police, banks return telecom fraud funds

As a result of cooperation between Beijing police and banks, 30 million yuan ($4.2 million) defrauded through telecom scams was returned to 30 people on Wednesday, Beijing Public Security Bureau said.

Cooperation between the bureau and the Operations Office with the People's Bank of China and Bank of Beijing helps crack down on telecom fraud by retrieve money lost by victims of fraud.

In addition, police officers have also set up anti-fraud centers in communities, companies and universities to raise legal awareness of the issue, the statement said, and an app to block and provide evidence about fraudsters is being widely used by the public.

The bureau will maintain its pressure on telecom fraud, and called on the public not to click on links to unfamiliar website links sent in text messages, or to disclose personal information, such as their bank card and identity card numbers, to strangers online.

It added that all money retrieved will be returned in person, and reminded people to be wary of claims of online returns.