Fake videos offer false hopes of love

Many middle-aged and senior women have become obsessed with an imposter who masquerades online as a well-known actor, but their addiction is causing family feuds. Cheng Si reports.

Cao Yongzhen was the perfect victim for a romantic scam. The 69-year-old had never had a relationship before she met her husband. They were married for a long time, but her husband died in an auto accident several years ago.

Depressed and lonely after the novel coronavirus outbreak prevented her from leaving her home and socializing, Cao's only emotional outlet was watching videos on Douyin, an online short-video platform also known as TikTok.

Her attention and heart were captured when she came across a video posted by "Jin Dong".