Online Fake Order Scams Escalate from Small Tasks to Total Financial Loss

Online fake order scams have become one of the major types of telecommunications network fraud. Recently, several cases narrated by victims have been exposed, revealing the complete operation mode of this black industry chain from temptation to final harvest. Public welfare anti-fraud organizations remind the public that online fake order operations are illegal and irregular, and any fake order behavior requiring advance payment is fraud.

The scam typically starts with seemingly effortless money-making opportunities advertised on social media and short video platforms. Victim Xiao Li (pseudonym) recalled being added to a "task group" after seeing a part-time job advertisement on a short video platform. Initial tasks were simple - just following specific accounts and liking videos, with each task earning 3-5 yuan in "commission." This easy way of making money made many victims let down their guard.

Fraudsters are experts at psychological manipulation. The first few small tasks come with timely commission payments, building trust with victims. This "giving sweet treats first" tactic gradually makes victims think "this is reliable," setting them up for bigger traps.

After victims complete several small tasks, fraudsters inform them that the "system has upgraded" and higher-value tasks are required to continue withdrawing money. Task amounts then rise from initial dozens of yuan to hundreds or even thousands of yuan. Xiao Li noted that people in the group constantly posted "successful withdrawal" screenshots, which were actually fake information released by accomplices.

The critical step arrives when victims invest larger amounts - accounts suddenly show "abnormal" or "frozen," and customer service appears, claiming "解冻金" (unfreeze deposit) must be paid or "joint tasks" completed before all funds can be withdrawn. At this point, victims are caught in a dilemma - stopping means losing all previously invested money, while continuing leads to deeper endless pits. Multiple victims described how fraudsters continuously applied pressure, claiming "orders are expiring" or "limited spots," creating urgency.

Behind fake order scams lies a mature underground black industry chain. Fraudsters typically hide overseas, use technologies like pseudo-base stations and number-changing software to conceal their true locations, and quickly transfer funds through multi-level accounts. Victim-transferred funds are often layered through multiple accounts within minutes, ultimately flowing to overseas accounts.

Police anti-fraud data shows that single-case losses from fake order scams range from several thousand to several hundred thousand yuan. Since involved accounts are mostly "broken card" accounts opened using others' identities, cross-border pursuit is extremely difficult, and fund recovery rates remain low. In 2023, fake order scam cases ranked among the highest in various fraud types nationwide.

If you fall victim to fake order scams, the first step should be calling 110 or going to the nearest police station to report the crime, preserving all evidence like chat records and transfer receipts. The National Anti-Fraud Center APP can quickly freeze involved accounts - the sooner, the higher the recovery possibility. The key to prevention is remembering: any part-time job requiring advance payment is fraud; online fake orders are inherently illegal; China's Anti-Telecom Network Fraud Law explicitly states that participating in fake order schemes can result in minor punishments or serious criminal charges for helping information network criminal activities. Do not become an accomplice to criminals due to贪图小利.