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AI-generated ‘Xiaohai’ avatars allegedly used to cheat elderly viewers in China
See how this story connectsAI-generated ‘Xiaohai’ avatars have spread across Chinese short-video platforms, typically appearing as teenage boys in school uniforms or plain white shirts who tearfully describe poverty-stricken lives. They allegedly use emotional manipulation to cheat elderly viewers out of their savings. With commissions of up to 55%, creators using public AI prompts can earn 2,000 to 3,000 yuan (US$300 to US$450) a day, the South China Morning Post reports.
Why it matters
Elderly viewers on Chinese short-video platforms are the alleged targets of AI-generated videos said to cheat them out of their savings.
- When
- 27 Oct 2026
- ID
WTA-N-2026-0442- Where
- China
- Topics
- Deepfakes, Fraud and scams, Elderly, Children and teens
Summary by wheresthe.ai, from South China Morning Post. Checked against the source on 27 Oct 2026.
Source copy: download the page as saved on 27 Oct 2026 (PDF). Also held by the Internet Archive.
Cite this story
WTA-N-2026-0442: “AI-generated ‘Xiaohai’ avatars allegedly used to cheat elderly viewers in China.” wheresthe.ai, 27 Oct 2026. https://wheresthe.ai/d/cn-ai-generated-xiaohai-avatars-allegedly-used-to-cheat-elde-2026-10/ (source: South China Morning Post).
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