Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the emergence of "fast franchise" scams, which lure investors with attractive promises of quick returns and low investment, ultimately leading to significant financial losses for franchisees [1][9]. Group 1: Scam Characteristics - "Fast franchise" scams are characterized by short-term profit motives, utilizing false advertising and forged qualifications to recruit franchisees rapidly [1][9]. - The scams often target small investors, offering low franchise fees compared to well-known brands, making them more susceptible to enticing marketing [9]. - The criminal organizations behind these scams exhibit professional and group characteristics, with clear divisions of labor among teams responsible for advertising, telemarketing, and training [9]. Group 2: Case Study - A specific case in Suzhou involved a franchisee named Zhou Ping, who was misled into investing over 120,000 yuan in a fraudulent franchise, leading to significant financial loss [2][3]. - The investigation revealed a complex criminal network, with multiple individuals involved in the scam, including the establishment of companies that falsely claimed affiliation with reputable brands [4][5]. - The fraudulent companies provided misleading training and high-priced materials, resulting in unsustainable business operations for franchisees [6][10]. Group 3: Legal Proceedings - The case was escalated to the Suzhou District Prosecutor's Office, which found substantial evidence of contract fraud, leading to the arrest of key suspects [4][8]. - The defendants were charged with contract fraud, with significant amounts of money embezzled from franchisees, totaling over 40 million yuan in one instance [7][8]. - The court proceedings resulted in various sentences for the perpetrators, highlighting the legal consequences of such fraudulent activities [8]. Group 4: Prevention Measures - The article outlines preventive measures against "fast franchise" scams, including verifying business licenses and being cautious of promises of low investment and high returns [10]. - It emphasizes the importance of thorough due diligence, such as visiting multiple franchise locations and scrutinizing contract terms, especially regarding material procurement and refund policies [10].
江苏省检察机关办理一起“快招”诈骗案——正常商业风险?诈骗陷阱!
Ren Min Ri Bao·2025-08-21 03:29