AI-generated fake endorser used to sell medical patches in China
A Chinese e-commerce product marketed as a medical patch created by an intangible cultural heritage expert used AI-generated images of a fake endorser and a fraudulently issued heritage certificate to boost sales. Journalists verified the endorser photos were 99% AI-generated using Stable Diffusion and contained typical defects like abnormal hand proportions, while the actual product was a private-label commodity costing 2.5 yuan but sold for 59 yuan with false health claims.
What happened
The product "苗古金贴" (Miao Gujin patch), marketed as created by a non-intangible cultural heritage (ICH) inheritor named Tang Fuzheng, used AI-generated photos as the endorser's image. Journalists verified that the photos were 99% AI-generated using Stable Diffusion, with characteristic defects including abnormal hand shapes—the left thumb nearly as long as the index finger, extra fingers below the middle finger, and AI-generated calligraphy in the background.
The fake "ICH transmitter" credential for Tang Fuzheng was issued by Beijing Yanhuang Civilization Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center, which sold such certificates for as little as 1,500 yuan, requiring only a name, photo, and desired ICH project information, with credentials issued within two weeks.
Reported impact
A consumer from Shanxi, Mr. Zhao, purchased the product after seeing video advertisements claiming it could treat knee synovial fluid and inflammation with one application. After using the patch for about ten days, his knee itching worsened and his synovial fluid increased, contradicting the product's claims that the condition would improve.
Index analysis
Journalists found the product was a private-label item made by Shanxi Haide Pharmaceutical or Hubei Haodekuai Biomedical, manufactured at a cost of 2.5 yuan per box but sold for 59 yuan retail. The product consisted only of non-woven fabric, medical adhesive, far-infrared ceramic powder, and release paper, contradicting marketing claims of a "thousand-year secret formula."
Governance controls
China's State Administration for Market Regulation announced plans to strictly investigate "miracle doctors," "miracle drugs," and "AI impersonating experts" in illegal advertisements.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.