China influencer exposed over fake US$150,000 flood gift; Red Cross finds only 15-cent offers
A Chinese social media influencer is under fire after allegedly faking a 1 million yuan donation to flood relief efforts in Guangxi. Investigations by the Red Cross revealed that the influencer's donation records did not match official data, which showed only small, one-yuan contributions.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the growing issue of performative philanthropy and digital fraud on social media platforms in China.
BEIJING (SCMP): A Chinese influencer faced widespread criticism after a purported donation of 1 million yuan (US$150,000) to flood relief efforts was allegedly revealed as fabricated.
Since July, typhoon-induced torrential rains have ravaged the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region in southern China, resulting in the deaths of 159 people, according to local reports.
On September 7, internet users accused a RedNote influencer known as Anlan of fabricating a donation record for flood relief in Guangxi, sharing screenshots of the alleged receipt across comment sections.
Anlan, whose gender and true identity remain undisclosed, posted an image claiming to show a 1 million-yuan donation to the Guangxi Red Cross on July 17, accompanied by a caption: “Offering a humble contribution to post-disaster reconstruction.”
The post quickly went viral, garnering thousands of likes and commendation from internet users who celebrated Anlan’s “act of kindness.” The account amassed more than 31,000 followers within days.
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