Chinese online users are getting scammed and some even get prank calls. (Photo : Getty Images)
The state media Xinhua News Agency reported the death of a high school graduate who spent her savings to an online fraudster. The young girl sent 9,000 yuan or $1,480.
She then reported to the police and in shock, her heart stopped beating in a hospital.
The police rounded up suspects who were education officials. These individuals were able to obtain her personal information including her need for financial assistance through the local education board's website.
The education ministry refused to release any comment. The victim's family did not issue a statement.
Internet fraud is becoming more prevalent in China and puts it 700 million users at risk.
According to a study of the Internet Society of China, about 75 percent of China's online users have received emails of scams from banks, internet companies or television stations. The scams would ask the user to send money in exchange for a prize.
The study also revealed that there is 55 percent of users who receive calls from government agencies on public security and health which also are offering scams.
In Weibo, a public survey was conducted among users to ask why scams are widespread. Out of the 6,077 users, 55 percent responded that the scams want to get personal information.
Shu Hai, a partner at Zhong Lun Law Firm's Shanghai office, said that the country did not have a national internet security law.
"Most businesses and organizations don't spend much on personal information protection because it's very cheap to break the law and very expensive to comply with regulations," he said.
Getting personal data from users is a large underground industry, according to Shu.
During the Internet Security Conference held in China last April, the U.S. government, and internet security expert John McAfee expressed that they are willing to help the country strengthen online safety.
"I am hoping that my words will inspire cooperation in the field of security between China and the U.S., and indeed between and among all countries," Mc Afee said.
