Beware of School Choice Scams: Man Defrauds Parents of Over 10 Million Yuan
Parents seeking to enroll their children in prestigious schools should be wary of scams promising to manipulate the lottery system. In a recent case, a man in Shanghai claimed to have connections to help students transfer to their desired schools, charging exorbitant consultation fees and ultimately defrauding 29 parents of over 10 million yuan. The incident highlights the lengths some individuals will go to exploit parents’ desperation for quality education.
In 2023, Mr. Yuan was introduced to Xia, the head of an education consulting firm, who claimed to have the means to facilitate his relative’s child’s transfer to a private primary school. Mr. Yuan signed a consultation agreement with Xia, agreeing to pay 1.6 million yuan in fees. He made an initial payment of 700,000 yuan but received no results by the agreed-upon deadline. Xia then began delaying the refund, leaving Mr. Yuan without recourse.
Similarly, Ms. Jiang sought to enroll her child in a private foreign language school. After failing to secure a spot through the lottery system, she turned to Xia, who promised to help for a fee. She signed a 360,000 yuan agreement and paid an initial 200,000 yuan. When her child was not admitted, Xia suggested a transfer, which also failed. Ms. Jiang demanded a refund, but Xia again delayed, leaving her without her money.
Upon investigation, police discovered that Xia had been operating a scam since 2021, claiming to have connections to manipulate the lottery system and facilitate transfers. He charged high consultation and school choice fees, defrauding 29 parents of over 10 million yuan. Xia was arrested in April 2024 and charged with fraud. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined 200,000 yuan.
Xia’s success in defrauding so many parents was due in part to his supposed track record of successfully manipulating the lottery system. Some parents had heard of others who had successfully enrolled their children through Xia’s services, leading them to believe in his abilities. Additionally, Xia would impersonate school staff to gain parents’ trust, further convincing them that he could deliver on his promises.
The case serves as a warning to parents seeking quality education for their children. While it is understandable to want the best for one’s child, it is crucial to be wary of scams promising to manipulate the system. Parents should research schools thoroughly, understand the enrollment process, and be cautious of anyone offering to help for a fee. By taking these steps, parents can protect themselves and their children from falling victim to school choice scams.
In response to the case, the Shanghai Education Commission has emphasized the importance of transparency in the enrollment process and warned parents to be cautious of anyone claiming to have connections to manipulate the system. The commission has also pledged to investigate any allegations of misconduct in the enrollment process.
Parents seeking to enroll their children in prestigious schools should be aware of the risks of school choice scams. While it is natural to want the best for one’s child, it is essential to be cautious of anyone offering to help for a fee. By understanding the enrollment process and researching schools thoroughly, parents can protect themselves and their children from falling victim to these scams. The case of Xia’s fraud highlights the importance of transparency in the enrollment process and serves as a warning to parents to be vigilant in their pursuit of quality education.
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