These days, photos of celebrities aren’t just being misused by imposters for fake ads and online scams.
A Chinese netizen recently took to social media to write about a beggar who had misused 25-year-old actress Zhao Lusi’s childhood photo to solicit donations on the streets.
In the video, a man masquerading as a father with a leukaemia-stricken daughter is seen kneeling on the ground. Next to him was a sign that read: “Save this young life”. There was also a photo of Lusi when she was in middle school.
On the sign is a sob story claiming his “daughter” is seriously ill and he needs to raise another 150,000 yuan (about S$27.8K) for her surgery.
In front of him are some cash donations and coins.
The video became a trending topic, with many netizens urging others to be vigilant and wary of scams when helping others.
After the video went viral, Chengdu-based media outlet Hong Xing News verified that the video was taken at Tangxia Street, in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province.
A street vendor told Hong Xing that the young man set up his begging spot on Jul 23 at around 6pm and only stayed for a little more than 10 minutes.
The vendor added that this was the man’s first time begging there and they would alert the police if he returns.