Talking point: Real-name registration strengthens protection

One day in November, I was working at home when a man called posing as a police officer.

"Are you Cao Yin? You're involved in a criminal case and you ..."

I didn't want to listen to his tricks that are often revealed by genuine officers, so I put the phone down.

About three seconds after I had hung up, I received a text message telling me the phone number might be that of a swindler.

Later, a police officer from 96110, the national anti-fraud hotline, called to ask if I had transferred money to the caller, who had been identified as being in Sichuan province. After learning that I had not suffered a financial loss, she reminded me to be careful about online fraud.

It was the first time I had received an anti-fraud call, which made me feel the efforts made by police to prevent people from being cheated are really being intensified.

In recent years, China has strengthened real-name registration and management by launching campaigns and legislation to fight cheats.

For example, in October, the first draft of the anti-fraud law was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislative body, for review.

The draft requires telecom and internet service providers to ensure that users register under their real names, and specifies that banks or payment institutions must verify all clients' identities, understand the reasons for opening accounts and apply risk-management measures when providing related services.

The moves are aimed at preventing such accounts from being used to perpetrate fraud.

It also called for stronger punishments for people who illegally purchase, rent or lend SIM cards, internet of things cards or online or financial accounts.

It stated that those who engage in such behavior will face restrictions in using cards or accounts, or be barred from new services.

Meanwhile, the Personal Information Protection Law took effect in November. I hope it will be implemented as effectively as possible. I'm also looking forward to seeing the draft become law.

I think these steps, especially the specific measures in the draft, will play a big role in fighting online fraud and building a credit-based society.