🛒 Chinese Sellers Report a Wave of Fake "Damaged Item" Photos

Some buyers are now using AI to fabricate product defects after receiving their orders. They are adding mold to fruit, cracks to dishes, or holes to clothing, and then demanding refunds.

In one case, crab farmer Gao Jing received photos and even a video from a customer showing supposedly dead crabs. The images looked off: the animals were in unnatural positions, and on closer inspection, one crab had nine legs. Police later confirmed the images were fake and detained the buyer.

For low-cost items, sellers often face a tough decision: it's typically less expensive to issue a refund than to challenge a false claim. Rather than disputing claims, many sellers simply complain about it on social media.

🛍 Honest Buyers Will Pay the Price

According to AI fraud-detection company Forter, the number of edited images submitted with refund requests has increased by more than 15% worldwide since the start of the year.

As a result, marketplaces may be compelled to tighten their return policies to mitigate losses. Ultimately, legitimate customers and sellers may both face higher costs and stricter procedures.

@hiaimediaen