China is the second-largest economy in the world, but that doesn’t mean it is safe from online scams and frauds. On the contrary, it is one of the top three countries that have the biggest share of cybercrimes.
Between April 2021 and July 2022, China led a crackdown that solved a whopping 594,000 cases of internet and telecom scams, according to the Ministry of Public Security.
In this blog, we will talk about some of the most common types of Chinese internet scams and share simple but wonderful tips on how to prevent yourself from being trapped by these scams.
1. Online Shopping Scams: The Elusive Bargains
Online shopping scams are everywhere in China.
Scammers create fake online stores that promise ridiculously low prices on stuff – so naturally, everyone flocks to buy the stuff. It sounds too good to be true because, well, it usually is.
How They Work:
- Scammers create websites that mimic legitimate online stores, copying their designs and branding.
- Shoppers are enticed by the promise of great discounts.
- Once a purchase is made, the scammers either take the money without delivering the product or send low-quality, counterfeit items.
Tips to Avoid Online Shopping Scams
- Verify the website’s legitimacy by checking customer reviews and ratings.
- Stick to well-known e-commerce platforms like Taobao and JD.com.
- Use secure payment methods like Alipay or WeChat Pay, and avoid wire transfers.
- Use a VPN to hide your IP address and location, making it more challenging for scammers to track your online activities.
2. Naked Loan Scams: Blackmailing for Money
Naked loan scams have gained notoriety in China, involving blackmail through explicit content.
Scammers befriend victims online, encouraging them to share intimate photos or videos. They then threaten to expose these materials unless a ransom is paid.
How They Work
- Scammers build trust with victims and coerce them into sharing compromising content.
- After obtaining the material, they demand a ransom, threatening to share it with the victim’s contacts.
- Victims may pay the ransom out of fear, leading to financial loss and emotional distress.
Tips to Avoid Naked Loan Scams
- Never share explicit content with strangers online.
- Block suspicious contacts and report the incident to the authorities.
- Notify the police or relevant authorities to take legal action against the perpetrators.
3. Investment and Pyramid Scheme Scams: Tempting Financial Promises
Investment and pyramid schemes promise quick and massive returns on investments, but they often result in financial ruin. Scammers prey on individuals seeking financial opportunities.
How They Work
- Scammers promote investment opportunities, claiming high returns with minimal risk.
- Victims are encouraged to invest large sums of money or recruit others to join the scheme.
- The promised returns are rarely delivered, leaving victims with substantial financial losses.
Tips to Avoid Investment and Pyramid Scheme Scams
- Research the legitimacy of the investment opportunity and the company offering it.
- Seek advice from financial experts or friends with investment experience.
- Be cautious of schemes promising unrealistically high returns in a short period.
4. Romance Scams: Affairs of the Heart and Wallet
Romance scams involve scammers creating fake online relationships to manipulate victims emotionally and financially. These scams can lead to heartbreak and significant financial loss.
How They Work
- Scammers pretend to be in love and build emotional connections with victims.
- They often fabricate stories of distress, creating a sense of urgency to request money.
- Victims may send money, thinking they are helping a loved one in need.
Tips to Avoid Romance Scams
- Be cautious when someone online professes love too quickly or avoids meeting in person.
- Never send money to someone you’ve only met online, even in times of distress.
- Use online tools to verify the identity and photos of your online love interest.
5. Mobile Payment Scams: Protecting Your Transactions
Scammers exploit the widespread use of mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay to deceive unsuspecting users.
How They Work
- Scammers create QR codes that lead to malicious websites, compromising your data.
- Scammers prey on users who connect to unsecured Wi-Fi networks, hoping to steal their sensitive information. They often target users on unsecured Wi-Fi networks, attempting to steal sensitive information.
- Unauthorized transactions may occur, resulting in financial loss.
Tips to Avoid Mobile Payment Scams
- Be cautious when scanning QR codes from unverified sources.
- Ensure you are connected to a secure Wi-Fi network before making any mobile payments.
- Get Surfshark VPN to add encryption to your internet connection, including mobile payments. This makes it tougher for scammers to sneak a peek at your transaction details when you’re using public Wi-Fi networks.
- Regularly review your transaction history and report any suspicious activity.
6. Virtual Kidnapping Scams: A Virtual Nightmare
Virtual kidnapping scams in China involve scammers claiming to have kidnapped a loved one, demanding a ransom for their release.
How They Work
- Scammers often use social engineering tactics to gain personal information about the victim and their family.
- Victims receive distressing calls, purportedly from a family member, claiming to be kidnapped.
- Ransom demands are made, often with threats of harm to the loved one.
Tips to Avoid Virtual Kidnapping Scams
- Stay calm and verify the safety of your loved one independently.
- Immediately contact the police and relevant authorities to report the incident.
- Refrain from sharing sensitive information with the caller and maintain communication with your family to confirm their safety.
7. Gaming Account Frauds: The Perils of Virtual Assets
Gaming account fraud involves the theft or fraudulent sale of virtual gaming assets, characters, or accounts.
How They Work
- Scammers gain unauthorized access to gaming accounts, often through phishing or account theft.
- Stolen accounts or virtual items are sold on unauthorized platforms.
- Gamers may lose their in-game assets and personal information.
Tips to Avoid Gaming Account Frauds
- Use strong, unique passwords for gaming accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication to protect your gaming accounts.
- Verify the legitimacy of any third-party platforms for buying or selling virtual assets.
8. Paxlovid Scams: The New Threat
Paxlovid scams have emerged as a new threat in China, capitalizing on the demand for COVID-19 treatments and medications. These scams involve the sale of counterfeit or non-existent Paxlovid, a medication used to treat COVID-19.
How They Work
- Scammers may create fake online pharmacies or marketplaces that claim to sell Paxlovid at discounted prices.
- They may use fake product images and descriptions to deceive potential buyers.
- Victims who purchase Paxlovid from these sources either receive counterfeit drugs or nothing at all.
Tips to Avoid Paxlovid Scams
- Purchase medications from reputable and verified sources.
- Consult with healthcare professionals for advice on the legitimacy of online pharmacies.
- Be cautious of unrealistically low prices and conduct thorough research before making any purchases related to COVID-19 treatments.
Wrapping Up
Being aware of these top internet scams in China is crucial for your online safety.
When it comes to staying safe on the internet, whether you’re in China or anywhere else, it’s all about staying sharp, knowing the ropes, and not falling for things too easily.
So, take some time to get savvy about the online risks out there. And it’s always a smart move to grab yourself some top-notch online security tools.
Keep it safe out there!