With the summer holiday period underway, minors are spending more time online, creating an opportunity for criminals to target them with scams. These fraudsters use tactics such as promises of "free top-ups," "free in-game skins," or claims of "account anomaly checks" to initiate contact. They then coax minors into starting video calls or screen sharing, or persuade them to use a guardian's phone to provide critical information like identity details, bank card numbers, and verification codes, ultimately leading to fraudulent transfers.

Kuaishou consistently places a high priority on protecting minors, continuously running specialized campaigns to safeguard their online security and resolutely combating illegal activities that infringe upon their rights. Recently, the Kuaishou Security Center identified multiple leads concerning online fraud targeting minors. It promptly took action against the related violating content and accounts, secured evidence, and collaborated with relevant authorities on investigations and enforcement. Since the beginning of this year, the Kuaishou Security Center has assisted in the arrest of 40 suspects related to these crimes, with 29 placed in criminal detention and 10 criminal dens dismantled.

Cracking Down on Fraudulent Schemes Targeting Minors

Kuaishou strictly prohibits any organization or individual from using platform features such as short videos, live streams, private messages, comments, or video calls to induce minors into making transfers or to extract sensitive information—including ID cards, bank cards, payment account details, and SMS verification codes belonging to the minors or their guardians—through methods like offering free benefits, conducting fake account verifications, or issuing threats. Once clues suggesting illegal activity are detected, the platform will immediately ban the relevant accounts, handle the offending content, and legally transfer the leads to the appropriate authorities.

Case Study 1: Using "Free Top-Ups" as Bait to Remotely Control Minors for Transfers, 3 Individuals Detained

Recently, the Kuaishou Security Center discovered fraudsters on a voice chat platform using "free top-ups" as bait to specifically target minors. They would then guide the victims to the Kuaishou platform for further communication. Subsequently, the fraudsters used video calls and other methods to remotely instruct the victims to use a guardian's phone to perform transfer operations, executing precise scams.

Upon identifying this risk, the Kuaishou Security Center recognized it as part of a "free benefit inducement + remote control of minor transfers" fraud pattern. It immediately took action against the corresponding content and accounts, secured evidence promptly, and coordinated with relevant departments for investigation and action. Recently, with the assistance of the Kuaishou Security Center, this fraud ring was dismantled, and three suspects have been placed in criminal detention.

Case Study 2: Fabricating Account Anomalies to Frighten Minors and Extract Payment Information, 4 Individuals Detained

Recently, the Kuaishou Security Center uncovered a fraud ring operating in live rooms on a karaoke app, specifically targeting minors with telecom network fraud. Gang members fabricated false reasons, such as claiming the victim's account had illegal records or was involved in fraud. Using phrases like "case investigation" or "clearing suspicion," they intimidated minors, coercing them into providing critical payment information like a parent's ID card, bank card details, and verification codes. Some frightened victims made direct transfers.

After discovering these leads, the Kuaishou Security Center immediately handled the corresponding content and accounts, secured evidence swiftly, and collaborated with relevant authorities. Recently, with Kuaishou's assistance, this fraud ring was taken down, and all four members have been placed in criminal detention.

Case Study 3: Using "Free Game Skins" as Bait to Induce Minors to Transfer Funds, 7 Individuals Detained

Recently, the Kuaishou Security Center identified a fraud ring using the Kuaishou platform as a channel to lure underage victims with promises of free in-game skins. After gaining a victim's trust, the fraudsters would fabricate false claims that the Kuaishou account was involved in violations. They would then threaten the minor with the need to "cooperate with an investigation," using video calls and screen sharing to induce the minor to use an elder's phone to provide a guardian's ID card, bank card, payment account, SMS verification code, and other key information. This allowed them to directly control deductions or coerce the victim into making transfers.

Upon identifying this violation, the Kuaishou Security Center immediately took action against the corresponding content and accounts, secured evidence promptly, and coordinated with relevant departments. Recently, with support from the Kuaishou Security Center, this criminal gang was busted, and seven members have been placed in criminal detention.

Ongoing Enhancements to Summer Child Online Safety Management

During the summer holiday, the Kuaishou Security Center is continuously upgrading its risk control strategies to improve the identification, analysis, and handling capabilities for fraud risks involving minors. It is focusing on curbing illegal activities that use phrases like "free benefits," "account anomalies," or "cooperating with investigations" to trick minors into making transfers or leaking sensitive information. The platform is also deepening its efforts to manage content and accounts used for fraudulent solicitation.

Since the start of this year, the Kuaishou Security Center has handled over 20,000 pieces of content related to fraud solicitation and taken action against more than 26,000 violating accounts. Simultaneously, the platform has established a regular cooperation mechanism with relevant authorities. For confirmed leads on illegal activities, evidence is legally secured and transferred to the relevant departments for handling, continuously reducing the space for criminals to exploit the platform to harm minors' interests.

Platform Advisory: Heighten Scam Awareness During Summer Online Activity

Safeguarding minors' online safety requires the joint participation and collaborative effort of multiple societal forces, including families, schools, and platforms. The Kuaishou Security Center reminds parents and minors to heighten their awareness of security precautions during summer internet use.

Parents should strengthen supervision and guidance over minors' use of mobile phones and other electronic devices. They should enable payment password protection and child mode, and pay attention to their children's online social activities and any unusual transfer behavior. Minors engaging online should avoid trusting strangers readily, refrain from clicking on unknown links, not enable screen sharing, and be cautious about providing key information like ID cards, bank cards, payment account details, or SMS verification codes. Any online request for transfers, verification codes, or use of a parent's phone under the guise of "free top-ups," "gifting skins," "account anomalies," or "cooperating with an investigation" should be treated with high suspicion. Such situations should be reported to a parent or the police immediately, and minors should not handle them alone.

If users discover clues about illegal activities, they can report them through the reporting entry within the Kuaishou app. They can also call the customer service hotline at 400-006-6666 or send an email to support@kuaishou.com. The platform will follow up on these reports promptly.