Police use social media to combat online fraud

Livestreams and video clips are among the measures employed to tackle the problem. Cao Yin reports.

"Have you downloaded the (official) anti-fraud app?"

That's the question Chinese internet users are often asked after a number of police officers joined social media platforms to promote the app and explain the dangers of online fraud.

Dressed in full uniform, Chen Guoping, an officer from Qinhuangdao, Hebei province, has frequently jumped unannounced into livestreams on popular short-video platforms such as Douyin and Kuaishou in recent months to ask the question and remind livestreaming hosts to be alert to online fraud.

Chen encourages people to download the app, launched by the Ministry of Public Security in March, to help improve their awareness of fraud prevention.

"I decided to introduce the app this way after realizing that many people, such as my mom, watched many short videos and livestreams," he said.

The first anti-fraud video clip he posted received more than 20 million views, while a September livestream attracted about 38 million viewers, according to reports.

Chen said online platforms are more effective than traditional methods－such as distributing anti-fraud pamphlets and visiting communities to explain related laws－as they have no audience limitations and can be seen by more people.

"More views mean more opportunities for us to reduce the possibility of people being deceived," said Chen, whose followers on Douyin, a popular video-sharing platform, had reached more than 4.9 million by the start of last month.

Gao Shan, an officer with the Beijing Public Security Bureau, is well-known for promoting the app and sharing anti-fraud tips on social media. During a recent busy retail period, he had to livestream every two or three days.

In addition to discussing recent cases with another police officer on his livestreams, Gao interacts with the audience, telling viewers how to save evidence if they have been deceived and what to do if they identify swindlers.

So far, his livestreams have gained more than 7 million views. He uses different livestreaming topics to suit different time periods.

"For example, I introduced university-related fraud in June, as the college entrance examination happened that month. When the new school term began in September, I reminded students to be careful about fraudulent texts related to part-time job recruitment," he said.

"During the November/December discount shopping season, I showed people how to avoid online cheats."