Known as "Web beggars," they concoct sob stories, then write e-mails asking for money, according to the Beijing News.
A resident named Zhang, of Chendgu, capital of Sichuan Province, sent to the media an e-mail he recently received.
It said: "I am a Chengdu local. Dad died when I was a kid and Mom is seriously ill. My girlfriend has just dumped me. I am so depressed that I cannot leave my home. Would you please help me with 10 yuan (US$1.2) for a meal?"
The sender left the name Li Dan and a bank account number.
Li Dan was later found by the reporter through QQ, a Chinese Internet chat service.
He confirmed that he was 21 years old and had recently dropped out of college.
"I started begging via the Internet last December just for fun," he said. "But when I got the first deposit of 10 yuan in January, I decided to become a full-time Web beggar."
Li said he knew about 10 other Web beggars in Chengdu. They all stay at home to write e-mails and send over 1,000 e-mails each day, Li said. They would exchange experience and thoughts through QQ or Websites for beggars.
"Sometimes, I am very lucky and receive money the same day I send the e-mail," Li said. "The largest amount I have received so far is 50 yuan."
Li has collected 168 yuan this month from around the country.
Li warned that some e-mails are sent by people who are not really poor, but just want to take advantage of good-natured citizens.
