Kou Xiaoxia’s father, Kou Shoule, has fallen victim to a scam that has cost him nearly 300,000 yuan ($42,000) since March. He has been binge-watching livestream shopping channels for fake antiques, believing he could strike it rich with his purchases. Despite his family’s efforts to persuade him to stop, he remains stubborn and refuses to listen.
Livestreamed sales of counterfeit antiques and collectibles have been on the rise in China, targeting middle-aged and elderly individuals with modest savings. These scams have led to financial devastation for many families, as victims pour their savings into items that turn out to be fake.
The promise of high returns and buyback guarantees have lured older consumers with limited knowledge of antiques into these schemes. Livestream hosts use dramatic narratives and historical claims to sell these items, creating a sense of urgency and excitement among their viewers.
Victims’ family members have struggled to recover the lost money, facing challenges in filing complaints and returning the purchased items. Many victims hide their purchases from their families, deepening the divide and isolation caused by these scams.
To combat these fraudulent schemes, family members have come together to share information and support each other. They have created online groups to exchange updates, advice, and strategies for reclaiming lost money. Despite their efforts, the perpetrators of these scams continue to create new accounts and engage with their clients.
Law enforcement has started taking action against these fraudulent schemes, leading to the arrest of several fraudsters. However, the proliferation of these scams remains a challenge, as livestream hosts find ways to circumvent regulations and continue their operations.
Families of scam victims are urging platforms like Kuaishou to strengthen their regulations and monitor content more effectively to prevent the spread of these schemes. Legal experts emphasize the need for platforms to bear civil liability for false advertising and misleading statements that lead consumers to make transactions based on false information.
As victims’ family members continue to fight back against these scams, they face hurdles in gathering evidence and filing complaints against fraudulent livestreamers. The complexity of the process and the fear of escalating tensions with their loved ones limit their ability to intervene effectively.
Despite the challenges, efforts are ongoing to shut down fraudulent accounts and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. Families are determined to protect their elders from falling prey to these scams and are working together to raise awareness and seek justice for the victims.