Summary of the Key Points
This article exposes a poignant social phenomenon through two absurd fraud cases: one involving fake subway employees in Shanghai and another concerning a fake tobacco bureau recruitment in Sichuan. Many people fall for scams because they firmly believe in the existence of “unwritten rules” that suggest paying bribes to get things done quickly. The article analyzes the origins and dangers of this belief and calls for replacing these unwritten rules with a faith in the rule of law, which would lead to a fairer and more transparent society.
Detailed Interpretation
#### 1. The Two Fraud Cases: The “Unwritten Rules” Behind the Absurdity
In the Shanghai case, Qian claimed he could secure jobs at the subway station. Fourteen people paid him, and after they started “working” by saluting and clocking in daily, they realized they received no wages until Qian was arrested. The Sichuan case was even more “professional”: scammers pretended to sell a tobacco bureau position for 450,000 yuan and collaborated with property management staff to arrange “interviews” in the bureau’s meeting room, defrauding 36 people out of over 8.7 million yuan over two years. Both cases relied on simple tactics that exploited people’s willingness to use connections to get things done quickly. The scammers acted as if they had direct access to power, promising jobs in exchange for money. As a result, the victims not only lost their money but also became objects of ridicule.
#### 2. Why Do People Fall for It?
On the surface, the victims were seeking stable jobs (which are often seen as secure positions), and in their desperation, they turned to unorthodox methods. However, the deeper reason lies in their belief in unwritten rules—that social interactions rely on personal connections rather than formal procedures. For example, when looking for a job, people often ask if they know someone who can help or consider giving a gift before applying. This mindset leads them to accept the scammers’ logic: if someone claims they can do it, they must have the means; after all, others have succeeded this way.
#### 3. The Origins and Persistence of Unwritten Rules
The term “unwritten rules” was coined by scholar Wu Siti to describe invisible yet influential social dynamics, such as bribery and favoritism. These practices exist throughout history (for example, gifts were necessary to secure official positions in ancient times) and still persist today. In some places, formal processes are slow, but using connections can speed things up. Some jobs are advertised publicly, but people assume they are already reserved for certain individuals, leading them to believe that bribes are necessary. When such practices become widespread, they are treated as gospel.
#### 4. The Consequences of Unwritten Rules
For individuals, believing in unwritten rules often results in losing both money and reputation. For society, these rules undermine fairness: if everyone relies on connections, hard work and merit lose their value, and scammers thrive. Over time, this leads to a decline in trust, creating a cycle where fewer people believe in the system’s fairness.
#### 5. Breaking the Cycle with the Rule of Law
A healthy society should be based on the rule of law and contracts, where everything follows established procedures. To achieve this:
- Systems must be improved to make recruitment and decision-making more transparent.
- A culture of legal trust must be fostered, showing that laws provide better protection than personal connections.
For example, when looking for a job, people should check official listings rather than rely on acquaintances; when in conflict, they should seek legal counsel.
These two cases serve as a wake-up call to those who still believe in unwritten rules— shortcuts through connections may lead to dead ends. Only by embracing the rule of law can we prevent similar scams from happening again and create a society where fairness prevails.