Chinese Influencer “Duoroubaobao” Arrested for Fraud After Fabricated Luxury Cars and Fake Bank Statements Uncovered

Sun, a twenty‑something influencer who had cultivated a following of thousands on Weibo and short‑video platforms, presented herself as the scion of a powerful business dynasty. She repeatedly claimed her biological father was a “mysterious tycoon,” her mother the head of a real‑estate firm and her stepfather a multimillion‑dollar magnate who owned a fleet of high‑end automobiles. In the glossy snapshots she shared, the cars ranged from Ferraris and Bentleys to a Rolls‑Royce and a Bentley Cullinan, while her online posts hinted at eight‑digit bank balances and lucrative stock trades.

The façade began to crumble when a net‑izen posted side‑by‑side comparisons of Sun’s supposedly “real” account‑balance screenshots and the original images, revealing tell‑tale inconsistencies in font, pixelation and background patterns. The same user also tracked the license plates of the cars Sun flaunted,digit balance to one partner, an edited stock‑loss chart to another, and arranging “impromptu” test drives in a borrowed Ferrari to impress yet another. One victim, identified only as Chen Long, said Sun “unintentionally” flashed a screenshot of an account with a balance in the tens of millions, a screenshot later proven to be a Photoshop composition. The manipulation extended to her WeChat moments, where she posted images of an Alfa‑Romeo and a Mercedes‑G‑Class with captions suggesting they were part of a family collection, when in reality the vehicles were on short‑term leases.

The police intervened after several victims reported the fraud to local authorities. Sun was taken into custody in early August and a formal case has been filed on suspicion of fraud and deception. The investigation has also unearthed connections to a separate public figure, Jia Haiyang, raising doubts about prior allegations Sun had made against him. While Jia has denied any wrongdoing, the broader implication is that Sun’s fabricated narrative may have been used to bolster other claims, further eroding trust.

Public reaction on Weibo was swift and unforgiving. The hashtag #豪车靠租资产靠P网红多肉饱饱爆雷# (Luxury cars by rent, assets by Photoshop, internet celebrity Duoroubaobao exposed) trended for several days, drawing thousands of comments that mixed shock, disbelief and a sobering self‑examination of how easily people can be swayed by polished personas. One user summed up the sentiment: “When you’re out in the world, your identity is what you give yourself — but it’s also what others can easily fabricate.” Another lamented, “I’ve seen friends invest in projects just because the founder drove a Ferrari. We need to stop equating a car with credibility.”

Industry observers warn that the fallout could reverberate across China’s influencer marketing ecosystem. Brands have grown increasingly cautious about partnering with personalities whose wealth claims are difficult to verify. Some marketing firms are already revising vetting procedures, demanding proof of asset ownership or requiring third‑party audits for high‑profile collaborations. The incident also shines a light on informal investment circles where charisma and perceived affluence often replace rigorous due diligence.

Regulators are taking note. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, which oversees internet content, has reportedly convened a working group to draft clearer guidelines on financial disclosures by online creators. Legal experts suggest that the case may prompt tighter penalties for fraudsters who exploit digital platforms to misrepresent their economic status, especially when such misrepresentations lead to financial loss for others.

Beyond the business realm, the scandal has sparked a broader cultural conversation about materialism and authenticity in the age of social media. Psychologists point to the “halo effect” — the tendency to ascribe positive traits, such as trustworthiness, to individuals who display wealth — as a key driver behind Sun’s success in persuading victims. The emotional toll on those duped is another growing concern; many have reported not just monetary loss but also a deep sense of betrayal that has strained personal relationships and eroded confidence in online networking.

As the investigation proceeds, the full extent of Sun’s alleged scheme remains unknown. What is clear, however, is that the episode serves as a cautionary tale for a digital generation accustomed to consuming curated lifestyles at face value. The lesson, echoed across the sea of comments, is simple yet profound: in a world where anyone can rent a Ferrari and Photoshop a bank statement, the only reliable proof of wealth is transparency, not the flash of a camera.