Summary of the Key Points
Recently, many users have received fraudulent calls labeled as “Yuantong Express Delivery,” where callers claim to be old customers of Yuantong offering to give away watches via WeChat. This represents an upgraded scam tactic: instead of the traditional small-scale scams that involved giving away watches in exchange for a fee, the scammers now use WeChat to lure users into fake shopping groups, stock recommendation groups, or trick them into downloading fraudulent apps. They exploit technical vulnerabilities in number labeling platforms and telecom operators to manipulate the caller ID, making it harder for users to recognize the fraud. These scams are difficult to combat due to the high cost of evidence collection and inadequate regulation by the platforms. Experts recommend that platforms strengthen their verification processes, while users should verify information through official channels to avoid falling for the tricks.
1. The Scam Tactic Has Evolved: From “Making a Small Profit” to “Long-Term Deception”
Ten years ago, similar scams were simple: they would give away cheap watches worth a few yuan and charge you 20-30 yuan in shipping fees to make a profit. But now the scammers’ goals are much bigger. Adding you to their WeChat accounts is the crucial step:
- Luring You into Shopping Groups: They offer small incentives (e.g., a 15-yuan refund for every 10 yuan spent) to get you to invest more, then they steal your money and disappear.
- Luring You into Stock Recommendation Groups: They pretend to be experts and recommend fake stocks, causing you to lose all your investment.
- Inducing You to Download Fraudulent Apps: They trick you into making payments for “investments,” only for the apps to disappear afterward.
It’s like throwing out a small bait (a free watch) to lure you in before stealing more valuable information or money.
2. How Do They Manipulate the Caller ID to Show “Yuantong Express Delivery”?
The caller ID on your phone is not provided directly by the telecom operator but comes from third-party platforms like Teddy Bear or Telephone Bang. The scammers’ method is quite cunning:
- Fake Company Certification: They submit fake documents to these platforms, linking the number to “Yuantong Express Delivery” (replacing the character “圆” with “园” to mimic Yuantong).
- Massive Number Labeling: They use this number to make numerous calls, hanging up after each one, causing users to label the call as coming from a “courier service.”
- Displaying a False Name: The next time they call you, the system shows “Yuantong Express Delivery,” making you believe it’s a genuine delivery.
The flaw lies in the lax verification by third-party platforms (which often accept fake documents) and the inadequate regulation of devices that alter numbers by telecom operators, giving scammers an easy escape.
3. Why Are These Scams Hard to Catch?
- Users Are Unwilling to Fight Back: If you lose only a few yuan in shipping fees, the effort and time required to report or sue are often greater than the loss, so most people simply give up.
- Scammers Disappear Quickly: They cancel their WeChat accounts and phone numbers after using them, making it hard to track them down.
- Lack of Accountability by Platforms: Platform verification processes are weak, and telecom operators fail to effectively manage devices that alter numbers, allowing scammers to go unpunished.
As a result, there are very few convictions in such cases, which emboldens the scammers.
4. What Should Platforms and Operators Do?
Experts suggest that platforms should strictly verify company certifications by thoroughly checking provided documents like business licenses and official seals. Telecom operators need to strengthen regulations for number-changing devices (VOIP) and promptly identify and address any illegal usage. Providing support for scammers using these services could be considered “aiding in information network crime,” which is a punishable offense.
5. What Can Ordinary People Do to Protect Themselves?
Here are some simple tips:
- Don’t Believe the Caller ID: If someone claims to be from a courier service and asks for your WeChat, offers gifts, or charges shipping fees, hang up and verify the information directly on Yuantong’s official website or app.
- Follow the “Four No’s” Rule: Avoid adding scammers to your WeChat, downloading unknown apps, making transfers, or sharing verification codes for calls from overseas or unfamiliar numbers.
- Report Suspicious Calls: If you receive a suspicious call, contact the police (110) or the 12321 hotline for online fraud and spam reports.
In short, don’t be tempted by free offers. Always question anything that seems too good to be true!