Man losing US$210,000 over US$110 refund shocks Chinese public, highlights online fraudsters reaping massive returns from gullible internet shoppers
- One man had multiple bank accounts emptied of more than 1.4 million yuan (US$210,000) in a matter of hours
- Special police task force eventually took down a fraud gang with victims nationwide
Alarm bells are ringing on Chinese social media after a man was defrauded out of 1.43 million yuan (US$210,000) after making an online purchase of just 741 yuan (US$110).
“They knew my full name, what I bought on the platform, and even that I bought the pills for my children,” Han explained. “They then informed me that the products needed to be recalled due to a reported allergy issue.”
In accordance with the person’s instructions – and thinking they were genuine because of the detailed information they had in their possession – Han downloaded a video call app and started a screen share with the person in the hope of getting his money back.
Han gradually transferred all the money from his 10 bank cards, his wife’s five bank cards, and his Alipay deposit – a third-party mobile and online payment platform owned by Alibaba Group, which also owns the South China Morning Post.
