Core Viewpoint - The rise of AI-generated fake images has led to a significant increase in fraudulent refund claims in the e-commerce sector, causing distress among merchants and undermining trust in the online shopping ecosystem [3][19][36]. Group 1: Impact on E-commerce - E-commerce platforms are facing a surge in fraudulent refund requests, where individuals use AI-generated images to falsely claim product defects [3][17]. - Merchants report that customers are submitting obviously fake images, sometimes with AI watermarks still visible, to justify their refund requests [5][8]. - The "only refund" policy, initially designed to streamline customer service, has become a burden for merchants as they now have to scrutinize refund requests more closely [17][22]. Group 2: Consequences for Merchants - Small businesses, particularly those in lower-tier cities, are severely affected by these fraudulent activities, with malicious refunds threatening their daily operations and livelihoods [23][24]. - The financial strain from these scams can wipe out the profits from multiple sales, pushing merchants into a precarious position where they must choose between accepting orders or risking losses [24][25]. - Merchants are increasingly raising prices to offset the risks associated with potential fraudulent refunds, which ultimately impacts consumers [22][36]. Group 3: Regulatory and Platform Responses - In response to the growing issue, regulatory bodies have begun implementing measures to combat AI misuse, including guidelines to prevent the malicious use of AI-generated content [29][30]. - E-commerce platforms are enhancing their verification systems to protect merchants' rights and prevent fraudulent activities [30][32]. - The establishment of an account integrity system aims to track and penalize users who engage in fraudulent refund practices [30][32]. Group 4: Trust and Ethical Considerations - The ongoing fraudulent activities are eroding the foundational trust that underpins the e-commerce ecosystem, leading to a situation where both consumers and merchants are increasingly suspicious of each other [19][36]. - The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining ethical standards in transactions, advocating for a return to simple, honest exchanges between buyers and sellers [38][39].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline in the excitement surrounding the Double Eleven shopping festival, highlighting the rise of fraudulent practices using AI to exploit refund policies in e-commerce [6][34]. Group 1: E-commerce Trends - The atmosphere of Double Eleven has become less vibrant compared to previous years, with fewer engaging activities and promotions [6]. - The introduction of the "refund without return" policy, initially launched by Pinduoduo in 2021, has been exploited by consumers, leading to increased fraudulent refund requests [8][9]. Group 2: Fraudulent Practices - Some consumers are using AI to manipulate images and falsely claim product defects to obtain refunds without returning items, which poses a significant challenge for small businesses [19][28]. - Examples include altering images of products like nasal cleaners and shoes to misrepresent their condition, often forgetting to remove watermarks, which indicates a lack of awareness or care [10][15][21]. Group 3: Impact on Small Businesses - Small businesses, often run by individuals or families, face severe financial repercussions from fraudulent refund claims, which can wipe out their daily profits [31]. - The article emphasizes the emotional and financial toll on these small merchants, who work hard to sustain their businesses [31]. Group 4: Ethical Considerations - The article raises concerns about the moral implications of using AI for deceitful purposes, contrasting the potential positive uses of AI with its exploitation for fraud [34][35]. - It suggests that the increasing ease of creating fake evidence undermines trust in transactions and could lead to a broader societal decline in ethical behavior [34].

Core Viewpoint - The atmosphere of this year's Double Eleven shopping festival is notably less vibrant compared to previous years, with a shift towards darker and more troubling behaviors among some consumers [1][3][4]. Group 1: Consumer Behavior - There has been an increase in return rates during Double Eleven, with some consumers using AI to manipulate images and fraudulently request "refund only" claims from merchants [6][10]. - The "refund only" mechanism allows buyers to receive refunds without returning items, which has been exploited by some consumers to deceive merchants [9][10]. - Instances of consumers using AI to create fake images of defective products, such as a nasal cleaner, have been reported, showcasing a new level of deceit [11][13]. Group 2: Impact on Merchants - Small merchants, often operating with minimal profit margins, face significant losses from malicious refund claims, which can wipe out their daily earnings [36][42]. - A single fraudulent refund can equate to the profit from multiple sales, severely impacting the sustainability of small businesses [40][42]. - The emotional and financial toll on small business owners, who work tirelessly to fulfill orders, is highlighted as they become victims of these deceptive practices [36][43]. Group 3: Ethical Concerns and Future Implications - The rise of AI-generated fraud raises serious ethical questions about trust and integrity in consumer transactions, as the ability to easily fabricate evidence undermines the credibility of genuine claims [49][50]. - The article suggests that as AI technology advances, the potential for misuse will also grow, leading to a decline in trust between consumers and merchants [49][50]. - The narrative emphasizes the need for a moral compass in the face of technological advancements, urging individuals to maintain ethical standards despite the convenience offered by AI [50].