"An Ideal Match for 13,700,000 Won? Turns Out She Was a 10,000 Won Part-Time Actress: Marriage Scam Shakes Shanghai"

Around 200 Victims Identified

Victims Include Civil Servants, Major Corporation Employees, and Executives

Estimated Damages Reach Approximately 230 Million Won

A marriage agency that committed fraud by using part-time actors hired in Shanghai, China, was caught by the police.

On June 30, 2026, Huanqiu.com reported on a recent scam orchestrated by a marriage agency in Shanghai. All the women introduced by the agency were actually hired part-time actors, and the number of victims is estimated to be around 200.

A marriage agency that committed fraud using part-time actors hired in Shanghai, China, was caught by the police. AI-generated image.

Mr. Zhang Ming registered with the agency, paying 60,000 yuan (about 13.73 million won), and met several women. However, he recently learned that the women he met were actors who each received 50 yuan (about 11,000 won) per meeting. Zhang recalled that although he met several women in a short period, he felt something was suspicious.

According to the report, Zhang was not the only victim. Another victim said that the agency introduced matches based on compatibility in age, occupation, and hobbies, but the contracted number of meetings was quickly used up. He described the experience as a "low-quality, factory-style matchmaking service."

In particular, the agency lured clients with promises such as "If you succeed in dating or get married, we will refund 40–80% of the service fee," but this too turned out to be fraudulent. Huanqiu.com reported, "There has not been a single case of anyone receiving a refund after successfully dating or getting married through this marriage agency."

As the fraud was exposed and controversy grew, customers requested refunds, but the company delayed and evaded refunds, citing tax deductions as the reason.

The district police in Shanghai launched an investigation after receiving a report from a consumer. The scam group continued their scheme by frequently changing their business name and attracted victims through online advertisements, arranging meetings with hired part-time actors. According to the report, the scam group's annual sales exceeded 10 million yuan. The police currently estimate the total damages to be close to 1 million yuan (about 230 million won). The scam group paid a 100 yuan (about 23,000 won) commission to the agency manager, who then gave 50 to 70 yuan to the part-time actors.

According to the police, the agency had about 200 paying members. The highest contract amount was 300,000 yuan (about 68.8 million won), and among the members were public officials, employees of major companies, and even corporate executives.

The police emphasized, "A legitimate matchmaking agency does not introduce multiple partners within a short period and provides a full refund within seven days." They also cautioned, "Suspicious agencies that arrange frequent meetings over a short period may be operating illegally, so potential clients should be careful."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.