"Anyone Can Tell These Photos Are Strange"... Black Consumers Demand Refunds with Manipulated Images

"AI Becomes a New Weapon for Black Consumers"
Refunds Demanded Instead of Returns or Exchanges

Some consumers in China have sparked controversy by exploiting artificial intelligence (AI) technology to fraudulently request refunds.

On November 17, China National Radio and Hongxing News reported, "AI has become a new weapon for black consumers," highlighting this issue.

An AI-generated image depicting an apple with mold. Weibo.

According to the reports, a growing number of online sellers have been struggling with customers who submit refund requests using AI-manipulated photos. One seller said, "Anyone can tell these are fake photos created by AI, but the customer only insists on a refund." The seller added, "When we ask them to send photos from different angles or provide a video, they refuse."

Ms. Yaoyao, who runs a clothing store, said, "A customer sent a photo claiming the garment had loose threads, but the angle was off and the picture looked unnatural." She added, "It was obviously a manipulated image, and it is difficult to accept refund requests based on such forgeries."

An image of torn clothes created by AI. Weibo.

Mr. Wang Qiang, who operates a craft shop in Xi'an, shared, "A buyer claimed there was a crack in a cup and requested a refund." He expressed his frustration, explaining that after analyzing the image with an AI detection tool, it was identified as 'AI-generated.'

Excessive refund demands using AI forgeries are occurring in almost every category, including clothing, cosmetics, shoes, and fruit. Examples include images of fresh fruit with mold or damaged shoes and clothing. In particular, these customers demand only a refund-rather than a return or exchange-and such cases frequently involve products priced under 100 yuan (about 20,000 KRW).

Attorney Liu Dongchen stated that such behavior by consumers is clearly fraudulent, explaining, "Depending on the severity, administrative or criminal penalties may apply." Attorney Wang Ligong warned, "If a consumer fabricates false information to commit fraud, the criminal threshold is 3,000 yuan (about 610,000 KRW)." He added, "According to the Public Security Administration Punishments Law of the People's Republic of China, offenders can face detention of 5 to 10 days and a fine of up to 500 yuan (about 100,000 KRW)."