Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing prevalence of scams impersonating well-known VC/PE firms, specifically focusing on the case of "启明创投" (Qiming Venture Partners), which has been targeted by fraudsters using a fake investment app to lure individuals with promises of high returns [2][3][5]. Group 1: Scam Details - A fraudulent app named "启明创投 QMVP" has been circulating since November last year, claiming returns of "15% in 4 days" and "daily interest of 2%" to attract victims [2][3]. - The scammers have been using the name and logo of Qiming Venture Partners to create a false sense of security, misleading individuals into believing they are investing in a legitimate private equity fund [5][6]. - The fraudulent activities have led to significant financial losses for many individuals, with the app reportedly involved in a large-scale illegal fundraising operation [5][6]. Group 2: Official Response - Qiming Venture Partners has issued multiple official statements since January 2025, clarifying that they have never launched any official app and warning the public about these scams [3][6]. - The firm has reported the fraudulent activities to relevant authorities and has been actively trying to inform potential victims through various channels [6][8]. - Despite these efforts, the reputation of Qiming Venture Partners has been severely impacted due to the ongoing scams, with public speculation about the firm's integrity [6][8]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The article notes a growing trend of impersonation scams targeting VC/PE firms, with at least 20 firms having issued warnings about similar fraudulent activities [8]. - The use of reputable firms' names for scams is damaging the overall reputation of the VC/PE industry, leading to negative perceptions among potential investors [9]. - The article emphasizes the importance of vigilance among investors, advising them to verify investment opportunities from official sources and to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement [9][10].