From CNBC AI News, July 7th: In recent years, the live-streaming industry has seen a boom, with recruitment ads promising lucrative incomes, no experience required, and full training and promotion packages attracting many young individuals.
However, fresh reports from CCTV have uncovered a series of fraudulent schemes disguised as opportunities to become a “digital influencer.” A particularly stark case involves a streamer, known only as Maiya, who reportedly garnered zero viewers for seven consecutive days on the “Malt Live” platform, only to face a ¥500,000 penalty upon attempting to terminate the contract. This incident highlights a sophisticated, multi-stage scam designed to ensnare aspiring content creators.
According to the report, Maiya, an online gaming enthusiast, was drawn to a cultural media company’s recruitment advertisement that guaranteed a base salary of ¥5,000, assured that even beginners were welcome, and promised comprehensive training and promotion. Eager to embark on a new career path, Maiya signed up via the company’s application.
Post-signing, however, the promised professional training and operational support were non-existent. Maiya’s live streams consistently failed to attract any viewers.
Upon expressing a desire to leave, the company produced the contract, demanding a ¥500,000 penalty for alleged breach of contract.
Maiya recalled inquiring about potential penalties if they decided to stop streaming, and while a verbal assurance of “no penalty” was given, the contract itself contained onerous terms that were not clearly explained.
After several rounds of negotiation, Maiya ultimately paid ¥2,500 to terminate the agreement and signed a release.
These schemes are not isolated incidents but rather follow a distinct pattern. Taking a company based in Hangzhou as an example, the typical scam unfolds as follows:
1. Broad Recruitment with “High Salary” Lures: Companies cast a wide net, recruiting aspiring individuals through online platforms. They use “guaranteed base salaries” and promises of “training and promotion” as bait. During the signing process, they rush applicants through app-based agreements, encouraging them to overlook contract details or intentionally concealing crucial clauses.
2. “Abandoning” Streamers to Fabricate “Breaches”: After signing, companies completely fail to provide the promised training or operational support, leaving streamers to fend for themselves. They deliberately manufacture evidence of contractual breaches through two primary methods: planting decoys (“sock puppet accounts”) to encourage streamers to accept private tips (e.g., ¥520 or ¥1314 red envelopes) or disclose company information, thereby constituting a breach. Alternatively, they allow streamers to broadcast on other platforms, then cite “cross-platform streaming” as grounds for termination.
3. Demanding Exorbitant Penalties and Legal Threats: When streamers, facing no income or expressing dissatisfaction, attempt to terminate their contracts, the companies present manipulated contracts (e.g., with crucial clauses pieced together) and demand penalties ranging from tens of thousands to millions. They exert pressure through arbitration or lawsuits. Many streamers, hesitant to cause trouble or lacking legal knowledge, end up paying thousands to tens of thousands of yuan in “termination fees.”
These fraudulent practices have surfaced in various regions across the country. The core strategy is simple: lure with contracts, trap with breaches, and extort with penalties.
Aspiring individuals looking to enter the live-streaming industry are strongly advised: do not fall for verbal promises. Thoroughly scrutinize contracts and company backgrounds before signing, and seek professional legal advice if necessary to avoid falling victim to the allure of a “digital influencer” dream.
Original article, Author: Tobias. If you wish to reprint this article, please indicate the source:https://aicnbc.com/4177.html
