# consumer scams

Chasing Deals, Becoming Prey: How 'Freebies' Become Scams on China’s Platforms

Small deals sold on Chinese second‑hand and social platforms have morphed into a vector for organised fraud, leaving bargain hunters and honest merchants exposed. Platforms are improving in‑flight risk controls, but gaps in verification, off‑platform diversion and profit incentives for resellers mean the market remains vulnerable.