The Yuyuan Teahouse in Shanghai is under investigation for allegedly ripping off consumers. [Photo: weibo.com]

A teahouse in Shanghai is under investigation for allegedly ripping off their consumers.

According to a Weibo post, two Japanese students were extorted in the Yuyuan Teahouse in Shanghai last Wednesday.

The two students ran into a man and two women on their way to Shanghai Yu Garden. They were asked to take photos for the three people and were invited to have dinner with them.

In actuality, the three strangers were colluding with the Yuyuan Teahouse. They brought the two students to the teahouse and when the "teatime" ended, the total costs were 2100 yuan, or around 324 US dollars.

When the students were going to pay the bill, they were told that the tea in the Yuyuan Teahouse costs 48 yuan (around 7 US dollars) per sip.

They were forced to take out some 1000 yuan (around 154 US dollars) -- all the money they had with them.

The students then reported to local police and got their money back last Thursday.

Following an on-site inspection, Shanghai police said Yuyuan Teahouse is on suspicion of violating the Law on Protection of the Rights and Interests of Consumers and is now under investigation.

The Yuyuan Teahouse in Shanghai is under investigation for allegedly ripping off consumers. [Photo: weibo.com]