Police warn parents and students of gaokao-related online scams

Police have warned candidates and parents to be wary of online scams that claim to sell exam questions and answers related to the gaokao, as fraudsters seek to exploit anxiety ahead of China's national college entrance examination.

A case disclosed by the Ministry of Public Security's cybersecurity department on Friday showed that police in Yichun, Jiangxi province, recently found an individual suspected of selling fake papers and exam answers by posting videos with images of so-called gaokao exam paper bags. The video creator claimed to have "leaked questions and answers" for the 2026 exam during livestreams.

Following an investigation, the police discovered that an individual surnamed Kuang had registered a short-video account named "Gaokao Jiayou", or "Cheer for the Gaokao", in May, and posted 11 videos using images marked as "2026 National College Entrance Examination Paper Bags", creating the false impression that he had access to real exam papers. When internet users asked about the papers, Kuang allegedly tried to sell each set for 2,000 yuan ($295). Local police have taken legal measures against Kuang and shut down his account, preventing three people from being cheated.

The ministry's cybersecurity department explained such scams often start with false advertisements on short-video platforms, online forums or WeChat groups, claiming to offer "real questions" or "inside access" to attract anxious candidates and parents. Fraudsters then ask victims to transfer money privately, often promising a full refund if the questions are inaccurate. After receiving payment, they may demand more money under names such as deposits, activation fees or encryption fees. After the exam, they usually block the victims and disappear.

It urged candidates and parents not to believe online claims about selling exam questions or answers, and to report suspected illegal activity to public security organs.

Previously, the Ministry of Education issued a reminder to candidates and parents to remain vigilant as the 2026 gaokao approaches. The authority warned that some individuals might spread false exam-related information, create anxiety, engage in scams, or tempt candidates into cheating, which could harm both candidates and parents and disrupt the exam's order, calling on everyone to identify false information, take the exam honestly, comply with the law, and guard against fraud.