新华视点丨揭秘老年课堂骗局套路

Core Viewpoint - The investigation reveals that many elderly individuals are being targeted by fraudulent schemes disguised as educational courses, leading to significant financial losses and exploitation of their desire for social engagement and learning opportunities [1][2]. Group 1: Nature of the Fraud - Many online courses marketed to the elderly claim to be free or low-cost but ultimately pressure participants into purchasing expensive classes or products [2][4]. - Complaints about elderly individuals being scammed in these classes are prevalent on platforms like Black Cat Complaints and social media, indicating a widespread issue [2][8]. - Some courses masquerade as educational but primarily serve as platforms for selling health products, often with misleading claims about their efficacy [4][7]. Group 2: Tactics Used - Sales tactics include emotional manipulation, where instructors use "family-like" language to persuade elderly participants to spend money on high-priced courses [3][4]. - Instructors often employ aggressive follow-up strategies, including persistent messaging and emotional appeals, to encourage purchases [3][4]. - Some courses require participants to buy expensive equipment or enroll friends to continue their education, creating a cycle of financial pressure [5][6]. Group 3: Regulatory and Operational Issues - Many of the companies offering these courses lack proper educational credentials and operate outside legal regulations, raising concerns about their legitimacy [6][10]. - Investigations have found that some companies are in a state of operational irregularity, complicating the recovery of funds for victims [6][8]. - The involvement of unqualified personnel, including salespeople posing as experts, further undermines the integrity of these educational offerings [6][7]. Group 4: Recommendations and Responses - Industry experts suggest increasing regulatory oversight and collaboration among various governmental departments to combat fraudulent practices in elderly education [9][10]. - There is a call for the development of more quality educational resources for the elderly, utilizing community and educational institutions to provide legitimate learning opportunities [10][11]. - Families are encouraged to be proactive in supporting elderly relatives by educating them about legitimate educational channels and fraud prevention [11].