中國部分地區的婚姻詐騙亂象：從彩禮糾紛到法律與社會的反思

在中國部分地區，確實存在某些女性打著婚姻名義進行詐騙的現象，尤其在彩禮文化盛行的背景下，一些極端案例甚至出現所謂「迎親臨時加價」、「不下車就不辦婚禮」等行為。這些情況不僅涉及道德爭議，在嚴重時更可能構成刑事詐騙罪。本文將對這類現象進行深入分析，說明常見的婚姻詐騙手法，並探討其在法律與社會層面的應對與根源。

在典型的彩禮詐騙案例中，「臨時加價」是最為常見的情形之一。部分女性或其家屬會在婚禮當天，藉口「習俗」、「長輩面子」等理由，突然要求追加彩禮。例如，有人會聲稱還需補上「下車禮」幾萬人民幣，否則新娘拒絕下車或不進行婚禮儀式。這類「情緒勒索式加價」往往讓男方在賓客面前陷入難堪，只得當場妥協付錢，形成既不合理又無法追責的局面。

另一種詐騙方式則為「閃婚閃離」。部分女性在收取高額彩禮後迅速結婚，婚後數月即提出離婚，並拒絕退還彩禮。雖然中國《民法典》明文規定，若雙方未實質共同生活或彩禮導致男方經濟困難，女方應退還禮金，但在司法實踐中，由於舉證困難、是否構成「實際共同生活」難以界定，使得這類案件屢屢無果。此外，有些人更進一步偽造身分，隱瞞已婚或離異情況，以「單身」名義與多名男子結婚收取彩禮後人間蒸發。2021年，江蘇某地便發生一起女子與多人「結婚」並騙財後失聯的案件，引起社會關注。

除正式婚姻之外，還有大量灰色地帶存在，例如以戀愛為名長期索取財物，承諾結婚卻始終拖延登記，最終分手。因缺乏明確的「非法佔有意圖」證據，這類案件往往難以定性為刑事詐騙，受害男性求助無門。

在婚戀詐騙的變種中，「酒托」與「飯托」更是層出不窮。不法分子利用交友平台認識男性，約其至高消費餐廳或酒吧，並與商家串通分成。此外，還有女性以「見家長」為由，要求男方購買昂貴禮品，如名酒、保健品等，實為詐財套路。

部分女性甚至進一步操弄情感，透過情緒勒索（即所謂PUA，情感操控）手段，讓男性產生愧疚感並主動轉帳或贈送財物。例如常見說法如：「你不給我買包就是不愛我」、「我前男友都送LV，你呢？」此外，亦有不少人編造家人生病、創業缺錢等緊急情況，博取同情並誘導轉帳。

最具規模與技術性的，當屬所謂「殺豬盤」式的網路婚戀詐騙。詐騙者通常偽裝成優質女性（如教師、白領），透過社交媒體與受害人建立戀愛關係，待感情建立後再誘導其投資虛假項目或提供大筆借款。最終對方拉黑消失。根據中國公安部統計，僅2022年，網路婚戀詐騙涉案金額便超過50億元人民幣，顯示問題之嚴重與普遍。

從法律層面來看，中國的《民法典》第1042條已明確禁止借婚姻索取財物，若能證明對方主觀上具有非法佔有意圖，即可構成詐騙罪。然而實務中，最大挑戰在於證明「主觀惡意」與財物轉移過程中是否存在欺詐行為。由於婚姻糾紛往往伴隨複雜的情感因素與雙方說詞矛盾，法院在處理類似案件時面臨極大困難，導致大量受害者求助無門。

因此，防範意識與事前準備變得尤為重要。建議男女雙方在婚前應謹慎查證彼此身分，包括戶口、婚姻狀態、家庭背景等。對於高額彩禮等金錢往來，應保留轉帳記錄，甚至可簽署書面協議，約定特殊情況下的返還條件。一旦出現短期內頻繁索財、拒絕見親友等異常行為，則應提高警覺，及早止損。

當然，婚戀詐騙層出不窮，其根源並非單一個人行為，而是深植於社會文化與制度環境之中。高額彩禮的盛行，使婚姻日益物質化，在某些地區甚至成為女性家庭「斂財」的工具。再加上法律對情感與財產糾紛界定模糊，使詐騙者有可乘之機。此外，中國長期存在的性別比例失衡，尤其在農村地區造成男多女少，也進一步加劇婚姻市場的焦慮與不公平。

總結而言，婚戀詐騙既是法律問題，也是社會問題。它暴露出傳統觀念與現代法律之間的衝突，以及社會誠信與性別平等所面臨的挑戰。無論男女，在面對婚姻或戀愛關係時，都應保持理性與警覺，透過合法手段保護自身權益，避免人財兩失。唯有制度改革與觀念更新同步推進，方能從根源上減少婚戀詐騙的發生，營造一個更加公平與誠實的婚姻環境。

Marriage Scams in Certain Regions of China: From Bride Price Disputes to Legal and Social Reflection

In some parts of China, there are indeed cases where certain women use the guise of marriage to commit fraud—particularly under the widespread cultural practice of bride price (彩禮). In extreme instances, cases have been reported involving last-minute demands for additional payment during wedding ceremonies—such as refusing to exit the wedding car unless more money is given. These acts not only raise moral concerns but may also, in severe cases, constitute criminal fraud. This article provides an in-depth analysis of such phenomena, explains common scam tactics, and explores the legal and societal responses, as well as the underlying causes.

One of the most typical forms of bride price fraud is the last-minute price hike. On the day of the wedding, some women or their families suddenly demand additional payments under the pretext of “customs” or “saving face for the elders.” For example, a demand may be made for an additional "getting-off-the-car gift" worth tens of thousands of RMB; otherwise, the bride refuses to get out of the car or the ceremony won’t proceed. This kind of emotional blackmail often forces the groom into an awkward position in front of guests, leaving him little choice but to comply—creating an unfair and legally unaccountable situation.

Another common scam involves flash marriage and quick divorce. After receiving a large bride price, some women marry quickly, only to file for divorce within a few months, refusing to return any money. Although China’s Civil Code explicitly states that if the couple did not live together substantially or if the bride price causes financial hardship to the man, the woman must return the payment, proving this in court is often difficult. The definition of "substantial cohabitation" is vague, and the burden of proof lies heavily on the man. In some cases, women go as far as fabricating their identities, hiding prior marriages or divorces, and claiming to be single while marrying multiple men for bride price money—then disappearing. In 2021, such a case in Jiangsu province made national headlines when a woman vanished after “marrying” and defrauding several men.

Beyond formal marriage fraud, there exists a large gray area—such as women who claim they want to marry but endlessly delay official registration while continually soliciting gifts and money. Because of the difficulty in proving "intent to unlawfully possess," these cases are often not classified as criminal fraud, leaving male victims with no legal recourse.

There are also various romance scam variants, such as the infamous “drink scams” or “dinner scams.” Scammers, usually women, use dating apps to lure men to expensive bars or restaurants, working in collusion with the business to split the profits. In upgraded versions, they ask men to buy expensive gifts—such as premium liquor or health supplements—under the pretense of "meeting the parents."

Some women go a step further and engage in emotional manipulation, using techniques akin to PUA (Pick-Up Artist) psychological control. They guilt-trip men into sending money or buying expensive gifts with lines like: “If you won’t buy me that handbag, you don’t love me,” or “My ex gave me an LV bag, what about you?” Others fabricate emergencies—like a sick relative or a business funding shortfall—to elicit sympathy and cash transfers.

The most sophisticated and large-scale form of marriage-related fraud is the “pig-butchering scam” in online romance. Scammers impersonate high-quality women—such as teachers or white-collar workers—on social platforms. After establishing an emotional bond, they lure victims into investing in fake projects or handing over large loans. Once successful, they cut all contact. According to China’s Ministry of Public Security, the amount of money involved in online romance scams in 2022 exceeded 5 billion RMB, highlighting the severity and prevalence of the issue.

From a legal perspective, Article 1042 of China’s Civil Code clearly prohibits obtaining property through marriage. If it can be proven that the person acted with the intention of illegal possession, the act may constitute fraud. However, in practice, proving "malicious intent" and establishing that fraud occurred during the transfer of assets is extremely difficult. Given the emotional complexity and conflicting testimonies often involved in marriage disputes, courts face significant challenges, leaving many victims without effective legal recourse.

Therefore, preventive awareness and pre-marital due diligence are crucial. It is recommended that both parties carefully verify each other’s identity, household registration, marital status, and family background before marriage. For significant financial transactions like bride price, keep records of bank transfers and, if possible, sign written agreements outlining refund conditions in special circumstances. If one party shows signs such as repeated requests for money in a short period, refusal to meet family or friends, or other unusual behavior, the other should remain vigilant and cut losses early.

Of course, the proliferation of marriage scams is not simply due to individual wrongdoing—it is deeply rooted in societal culture and structural issues. The widespread practice of high bride prices has led to the commodification of marriage. In some regions, it has become a tool for women’s families to extract wealth. Meanwhile, the blurred legal boundaries between emotional and financial disputes give scammers room to maneuver. Furthermore, China’s long-standing gender imbalance—especially the surplus of men in rural areas—exacerbates competition and anxiety in the marriage market.

In conclusion, marriage and romance frauds are not only legal issues but also social ones. They reveal the conflict between traditional customs and modern legal systems, as well as the challenges of maintaining trust and gender equality in a rapidly changing society. Regardless of gender, individuals should stay rational and alert in relationships, use legal means to safeguard their rights, and avoid both emotional and financial loss. Only through both institutional reform and cultural shifts can we truly reduce marriage-related fraud at its roots and build a more fair and honest environment for relationships and marriage.