A special campaign to crack down on elderly fraud will be launched in courts across the nation, according to a circular recently issued by the Supreme People’s Court (SPC).

The circular said the operation is a tangible measure to meet the urgent needs of the elderly population and safeguard social stability.

Crackdown on elderly fraud should be stepped up and scammers whose acts have led to huge economic losses or adverse social influence should be severely punished and financial penalties thereof enhanced, according to the circular. Trials of related cases should be conducted following a strictly fact-oriented and law-based principle, and more efforts are needed to minimize the infringed party's economic losses and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the elderly to the greatest extent, the circular stated.

Courts across the nation are required to trial a group of typical cases that draw wide attention and have far-reaching social influences in a timely manner, carry out more surveys and research in this regard to improve related judicial interpretations and policies. The typical cases should be released at the appropriate time in order to guide judicial practices, the circular noted, adding that publicity campaign on rule of law should be intensified among the elderly in order to enhance their legal awareness and ability to spot fraud.