Sick notes are big business in China. “According to Shanghai Evening Post, scalpers selling fake notes are always found near hospitals looking for possible clients.

A reader of the newspaper said a man at Shanghai No. 1 People’s Hospital claimed he had many sick-leave notes that include a doctor’s prescription and seal. The price depends on the type of disease and duration of the sick leave.

A note allowing two to three days of rest normally costs 20 (US$2.47) to 30 yuan. The price goes up if the person requires longer sick leave. Ailments on two-day fake notes are always fever and diarrhea. Fractures can be 40 to 50 days, said the reader, who bought a two-day note for 20 yuan.”