For what it's worth, the person to whom I'm referring had a close friend in the same city who advised him not to do this. So yes, this person certainly was without excuse. Hopefully, more people will carefully consider which offer they choose to accept before coming to China. My advice, in general, is for all foreigners to come with a legal visa and first work at a University before they branch out. They are some good opportunities, but it takes time to find them.