BABA(US:BABA) Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-01-04 14:56Core Viewpoint - A new trend of "sheep shearing" using AI-generated fake images for refund requests is emerging in the e-commerce sector, posing challenges for merchants in identifying and managing these fraudulent activities [1][2][5]. Group 1: AI-Generated Fake Images - Merchants report that some buyers are using AI tools to create fake images to apply for refunds, making it difficult for businesses to verify the authenticity of claims [1][2]. - The identification of AI-generated fake images relies heavily on manual inspection, and even when anomalies are detected, proving the buyer's dishonesty remains challenging [1][3]. - The frequency of encountering AI-generated fake images is not high, but it still occurs monthly for many merchants [2][3]. Group 2: Refund Policy Challenges - The current refund policy allows for automatic processing of refund requests, with only 1% to 3% requiring manual review, complicating the detection of fraudulent claims [3][4]. - Merchants often face difficulties in handling suspicious refund requests, as customers may refuse to cooperate during the return process [3][4]. - The implementation of refund policies has led to an increase in contentious refund requests, prompting platforms to encourage negotiation between merchants and buyers [4][5]. Group 3: Legal and Ethical Implications - The use of AI-generated fake images to claim refunds may violate legal principles of honesty and could be classified as civil fraud [5][6]. - Legal experts suggest that sellers have the right to challenge fraudulent refund claims in court, and if the fraudulent behavior is significant, it could lead to criminal charges [5][6]. - E-commerce platforms are encouraged to support sellers in appealing against fraudulent claims and to improve their verification processes [6][9]. Group 4: Industry Collaboration and Solutions - There is a call for collaborative efforts within the industry to create a healthier ecosystem to combat the misuse of AI technology [7][12]. - AI service providers are urged to implement watermarking and other identification measures to prevent the misuse of generated content [9][10]. - The introduction of regulations requiring AI-generated content to have clear identification marks is seen as a necessary step to mitigate risks associated with fraudulent activities [10][11].