Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the emergence of "cloud farming" as a new investment model that combines the internet and agriculture, but warns of hidden traps and scams associated with it, particularly in the form of pyramid schemes and illegal fundraising activities [2][15][20]. Group 1: Overview of "Cloud Farming" - "Cloud farming" includes various online investment schemes such as "cloud breeding" and "cloud planting," which promise high returns with minimal effort [2][15]. - The model allows investors to "adopt" animals or crops online, with the expectation of receiving monthly returns [2][4]. Group 2: Case Study of a Scam - A case study involving a woman named Sun, who invested in a black pig breeding project through an app, illustrates the deceptive nature of these schemes [4][6]. - The app promised high returns, claiming that an investment of 10,000 yuan would yield a profit of 6,000 yuan in 200 days, which attracted many investors [4][6]. Group 3: Recruitment and Payout Mechanism - The company encouraged existing members to recruit new investors, offering substantial referral bonuses, which is a hallmark of pyramid schemes [6][10]. - The app employed a dynamic reward system, where returns were generated from new investors' contributions rather than actual profits from breeding [17][20]. Group 4: Law Enforcement Response - Law enforcement agencies uncovered the scam after a suspicious case involving a farmer attempting to open a bank account in Hong Kong to withdraw funds [8][10]. - Investigations revealed that the app's claims of extensive breeding operations were largely fabricated, with many supposed farms being non-existent or misrepresented [11][15]. Group 5: Regulatory Measures - In response to the rise of such scams, regulatory bodies have issued warnings and are monitoring platforms involved in "cloud farming" to prevent fraudulent activities [18][20]. - A comprehensive monitoring system has been established to analyze potential fraud risks associated with "cloud farming" platforms [18][20].