CNBC AI News – June 17, 2025 – Whispers of fraud are stirring in the tech sector, with reports surfacing of illicit schemes capitalizing on a newly expanded government subsidy program.
The program, slated to launch in 2025, broadens its scope to include smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices, offering up to 500 yuan per item in subsidies. This expansion, however, appears to have attracted opportunistic actors.
Sources have alerted us to a concerning trend: students are allegedly being recruited to facilitate the purchase of subsidized goods on behalf of “scalpers,” earning modest commissions in the process. One student reported earning around 300 yuan per device sold via this method.
Multiple reports detail the formation of dedicated chat groups, with “scalpers” actively pursuing students with promises of easy profits. These groups, often comprising dozens of individuals at a time, are orchestrating the exploitation of government subsidies.
The modus operandi centers on the student’s eligibility for the national subsidy. Students are reportedly purchasing laptops, smartphones, and tablets under their own names, with the intention of immediately reselling them through the scalpers.
One student insider disclosed to CNBC that more than just phones and tablets were being traded, including hot items such as the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. These items saw subsidy discounts ranging from 200 to 700 yuan, and students received profits of 50 to 100 yuan per transaction. The scalpers then pocketed the remaining difference.
When asked about the requirement for in-person verification of subsidized products, one unnamed scalper reportedly dismissed the concerns, stating, “Don’t worry about it. We’ll handle the delivery person.”
Our investigative team conducted a covert operation to assess the claims themselves. Their findings confirmed earlier suspicions: the resale of a subsidized smartphone could yield profits approaching 300 yuan.
Legal experts have weighed in on the ethical and legal ramifications. According to one attorney, the act of exploiting another person’s subsidy eligibility for financial gain could constitute fraud.
Even if the sums at stake are small and do not warrant a criminal conviction, offenders would still likely face penalties under relevant laws.
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