fraud

China’s Dark New Trend: ‘Self-Discipline Challenges’

Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

The games have eerie similarities to the Netflix series “Squid Game,” with debtors attempting to complete practically impossible tasks to win a huge cash reward.

Li Xin

A Hubei TCM Clinic Promised to Cure Cancer. Then the Deaths Began.

Officials looking into how a clinic lured hundreds with bold cancer cure claims have uncovered illegal practices, unqualified staff, and dangerous remedies linked to multiple deaths.

Chen Yiru

China Proposes Mandatory Labeling of AI-Generated Content

The draft regulations would punish content creators and online platforms for failing to clearly label content that was generated by artificial intelligence.

Jiang Xinyi

China Confronts a Worrying New Scam: Vanishing Businesses

The owners of struggling gyms, beauty salons, and tuition centers are hiring professional “store closers” to help them suddenly disappear without a trace — and take their customers’ money with them.

Li Miaoran

In Sichuan, Influencers Jailed for Exploiting Rural Hardship

An investigation by local police revealed that the influencers, working with an agency, used fabricated tales of rural China to sell agricultural goods on e-commerce platforms.

Ye Zhanhang

Authorities Target Loan Agencies Over AI-Driven Phone Harassment

An investigation by state broadcaster CCTV revealed that agencies use AI systems to mimic reputable loan platforms to engage clients. Shanghai authorities are now prioritizing action against such fraudulent operations.

He Qitong

Hebei: Man Held for Defrauding Millions Meant for Sick Children

The man is allegedly linked to a major children’s charity in China, and lured donors by promising high returns before absconding with the funds.

After Year of Hell, Scholar Warns Chinese About Myanmar Job Scams

After returning to China, Zhang, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is speaking out about his captivity in Myanmar. He hopes to highlight the growing threat and alert others about the pitfalls.

Ding Rui

The Dark Reality of Telecom Fraud in Northern Myanmar

Translations, cross-publications, and collaborative projects from Sixth Tone’s external partners. 

SIXTH TONE ×

The booming telecom fraud industry in northern Myanmar brings corruption, violence, kidnapping, and forced labor to a region with a long history of crime, The Paper’s investigation finds.

The Paper

‘No More Bets’: China’s New Runaway Hit Film Takes On Online Fraud 

Inspired by thousands of real cases, the movie offers an unparalleled glimpse into the dark world of overseas cyber fraud that has grown rampant in China.

He Claimed to Be a Soldier in Ukraine. Except, He Was in Henan.

Using deepfake tech, a Douyin content creator posted fabricated content about the Ukraine war. Doubts arose when users found his IP address was in Henan, China.

Fujian District Punishes Relatives to Deter Scams, Sparks Debate

Officials have announced that family members of individuals involved in online fraud will be ineligible for government subsidies.

An AI Chatbot Is Fishing for Scammers on Chinese Dating Apps

A Chinese programmer is using an artificial intelligence-powered language model to tackle an issue that has plagued millions of people online.

Wu Peiyue

China Sets New Rules to Safeguard Older Residents From Scams  

Authorities say fraud targeting the elderly care system has been rising annually.

Luo Meihan

China’s Anti-Telecom and Online Fraud Law Comes Into Effect

About $1.7 billion of swindled money was returned to victims last year.

Code Red: The Human Cost of China’s Rural Banking Crisis

Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

FEATURES

In April, thousands of bank depositors in central China’s Henan province lost access to their life savings. Four months later, their lives have descended into a Kafkaesque nightmare.

Zhang Wanqing

Hoaxes and Hijinks: China’s Growing Due Diligence Industry

Start-ups sometimes try to fool investors. But the agents they hire have some tricks of their own.

Late Post

Scammers Bank on Carbon Emissions Manager Post to Dupe Jobseekers

Prospective applicants are promised tutorials costing up to $600 to help them secure the lucrative job.

Yuan Ye

Illegal Chinese Care Home Swindles $125m From Local Seniors

The case is just the latest example of criminals targeting China’s rapidly expanding elder care system.

Fan Yiying

Minors Tricked Into Scams Promising Gaming Curfew Workarounds

Underage players are only allowed three hours of playtime per week under new rules.