Police have launched a campaign to warn people about tricksters, following a spate of rip-offs.

The campaign kicked off in Huangpu District yesterday at the square of the Landmark Plaza on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall - the scene of many recent scams.

Its aim is to increase public awareness of illegal agents who lure people into certain shops and then charge outrageous sums of money.

Commercial scams on Nanjing Road came into the spotlight this month when a Swedish businessman complained that he was forced to pay a 4,966-yuan (US$671) bill at a Manabe coffee shop.

The district public security bureau set up teams of inspectors to cooperate with Manabe administration to conduct an investigation which found the bar had a special menu to provide alcohol at high prices.

Manabe coffee shops, however, are not licensed to serve alcohol.

Police also found the "whiskies" served at the bar on the 3rd floor of the Brilliance Shimao International Plaza were actually cola and red wine.

The Manabe branch had been ordered to cease business and five suspects involved in the scam were detained by police.

The Huangpu District has set up four inspection teams to patrol the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall.

During the campaign yesterday, police highlighted major scams which usually target foreigners.

One rip-off involves luring people into beauty salons for "free" treatments then tricking them into paying huge bills.

This week police raided three salons at the Landmark Plaza. Urban management officials seized the stores' facilities, including 41 beds.

Another trap involves sellers persuading passers-by to buy calligraphy and paintings by "famous artists." The sellers lure customers to nearby desolate roads and then demand money with menace.

"This campaign is just the beginning and we will continue to crack down on illegal agents," said Ren Yaochang, an official of the Public Security Bureau in Huangpu District.

(Shanghai Daily December 29, 2007)