Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the prevalence of scams targeting the elderly, particularly the "free cleaning" scam, which exploits their trust and leads to significant financial losses and emotional distress [1][6][11] Summary by Sections Incident Overview: Traps Behind Free Cleaning - Numerous complaints have emerged from elderly consumers who fell victim to the "free cleaning" scam, where fraudsters offer free cleaning services but end up inducing the elderly to purchase expensive cleaning products [2][6] - One victim reported spending 30,000 yuan on over 400 bottles of cleaning agents, which would take 35 years to use at a rate of one bottle per month [2][6] - The scam employs emotional manipulation and false advertising, selling low-cost cleaning agents at inflated prices under the guise of "special products" [2][10] Scam Analysis: Tactics of Fraudsters - Common tactics include offering free services to gain trust, emotional manipulation, and exaggerated claims about product necessity [5][10] - Fraudsters attract elderly individuals by promoting free services, then use emotional appeals and false claims to sell cleaning agents at high prices [10] Case Warnings: Real Tragedies and Painful Lessons - Case 1: An elderly person spent 30,000 yuan on 400 bottles of cleaning agents, realizing the deception only after family intervention [10] - Case 2: Another elderly victim was manipulated into purchasing cleaning agents through emotional appeals, believing they were getting a good deal [10] Prevention Suggestions: How Elderly Can Avoid Scams - Elderly individuals should remain vigilant and skeptical of free services, verify information through legitimate channels, and make rational purchasing decisions [9][10] - Seeking assistance from family or community members can help prevent emotional manipulation and poor decision-making [10] Social Governance: Protecting Elderly Rights - Communities and relevant departments should enhance education and awareness among the elderly regarding common scams and prevention methods [9][10] - Market regulatory bodies need to strengthen oversight and crack down on fraudulent practices targeting the elderly [10]