Take the Money and Run.

China launched its family planning policy in 1979. As of 2005 their census found that there are now 32 million more males than females. Many of these males are now reaching the age where they expect to marry. Families in rural areas have been scrimping and saving for years, because brides ask for money as part of the marriage agreement: an amount roughly of five years of family farm income! Many brides are becoming involved in scams, taking the money and running. The June 5 WSJ had a front page story about it.