Core Viewpoint - The rise of consumers using AI to create fake images of products to apply for refunds has led to significant complaints from merchants, highlighting a growing issue in e-commerce regarding fraudulent refund claims [1][3][4]. Group 1: Consumer Behavior - Some consumers are utilizing AI tools to manipulate product images, making undamaged items appear broken or defective to submit refund requests [3][4]. - The fraudulent images are often indistinguishable from the original product photos, complicating the verification process for merchants [3]. Group 2: Merchant Challenges - Merchants face automatic approval of refund requests even when they can identify AI-generated fake images, resulting in losses including shipping costs and product value [4]. - The inability to recover products after a refund is processed exacerbates the financial impact on merchants [4]. Group 3: Legal Implications - The act of consumers using AI to fabricate product issues may constitute civil, administrative, and criminal violations, including civil fraud under the Civil Code and potential criminal charges for fraud if the amount exceeds certain thresholds [7][8]. - Legal frameworks currently favor consumer protection but lack specific provisions to safeguard merchants against such fraudulent activities [9]. Group 4: Platform Responsibilities - E-commerce platforms have a dual obligation to protect both merchants and consumers, and failure to conduct reasonable reviews of refund requests can lead to liability for losses incurred by merchants [9]. - Platforms are encouraged to enhance their review processes and implement stricter guidelines to prevent fraudulent refund claims [10]. Group 5: Regulatory and Preventive Measures - Regulatory bodies are urged to improve legal frameworks to explicitly address malicious refund behaviors and their consequences [9]. - E-commerce platforms should adopt technical measures to verify the authenticity of uploaded images and establish a user credit system to penalize repeat offenders [10]. - Merchants can also take proactive steps by documenting product quality and establishing clear refund policies to mitigate risks associated with fraudulent claims [10].