An unemployed man in Liaocheng wore counterfeit traffic police uniforms and fined electric bike riders 20 yuan each for not wearing helmets. After being exposed by citizens, police arrested him on charges of impersonating a public official.

Social Context

Impersonation of state personnel violates Article 279 of China’s Criminal Law, carrying up to three years’ imprisonment. Fake uniform scams exploit public deference to authority and gaps in helmet enforcement oversight—especially in lower-tier cities where traffic policing remains inconsistent and visible.

Safety Tip

Verify officer identity by checking official badge number via the ‘Traffic Police’ app or calling 122; never pay fines in cash without a printed receipt bearing the official seal.