Police in Tai'an city, Shandong province, detained 101 suspects involved in pyramid schemes, breaking up 14 dens during a campaign to crack down on the illegal business practice, Tai'an Daily reported on Monday.

Most of the suspects were college students or graduates desperate to find a job. Enticed by high returns, students are often swindled to participate in such schemes outside of their hometown.

In order to tackle the problem, the city's industrial and commercial administration has launched a series of activities to raise student awareness about such illegal activities.

In addition, the city will improve management of the floating population and rental houses to prevent this kind of crime.

Pyramid schemes have been banned in China since 1998, but remain rampant in some regions, and are posing a growing threat to society.