Red envelope gift scam and its prevention strategies

1. The tricks and characteristics of red envelope gift scams

1.1 Routine Description

– Women frequently request small red envelopes or gifts for various reasons, using excuses such as “holiday blessings,” “daily greetings,” and “rewarding goodwill.

-Scams make victims unknowingly pay large amounts of money through continuous small requests.

-The other party usually appears friendly and considerate, creating the illusion of “reciprocal emotions”, but in reality, the relationship is never clear or promises are fulfilled.

1.2 Typical Scenarios

1.2.1. Festival red envelopes:

– With the help of festivals (such as Valentine’s Day, Qixi Day, Christmas Day), “red envelope” is required.

– Manifesting as “sending a small red envelope as a celebratory gesture” or “expressing your feelings”.

1.2.2. Daily gifts:

– Using daily emotional maintenance, request small transfers under the pretext of “please have a cup of milk tea” or “add yourself a chicken leg”.

1.2.3. Rewards and Gratitude:

– Claiming that ‘you are so kind, I will definitely treat you to a meal next time we meet’, but in reality, I have never fulfilled any expectations.

1.2.4. Emotional testing:

– Express’ send red envelopes to see if you care about me ‘and gain psychological advantage through pressure.

1.3 Psychological manipulation behind the scenes

– The other party often operates repeatedly with the psychological weakness of ‘small amounts are not worth calculating’.

– Through emotional investment and short-term pleasure, paralyze the target’s vigilance towards total expenditure.

2. The harm of red envelope gift scams

2.1. Economic losses:

– Although the amount may be small each time, it can accumulate into a considerable expenditure.

– For people with limited economic conditions, it may generate significant pressure.

2.2. Emotional manipulation:

– Long term requests for red envelopes can establish unequal emotional relationships, putting victims at a psychological disadvantage.

– The other party may use “you are stingy” as an excuse to humiliate the victim and force them to continue paying.

2.3. Relationship breakdown:

– When the victim begins to question or refuse the red envelope request, the other party may directly cut off contact or take aggressive actions.

3. Preventive strategies and solutions

3.1 Setting Economic Bottom Line

– Clear rules:

– Clearly inform the other party in the early stages of the relationship that you do not like to express emotions through red envelopes.
– If encountering similar requests, you can politely refuse, such as “giving red envelopes is not my way of expressing liking”.

– Limit amount:

– Set monthly or quarterly budgets for red envelope expenditures to avoid affecting quality of life due to frequent payments.

3.2 Learn to say ‘no’

– Firm attitude:
– Directly reject repeated requests for small red envelopes, such as’ emotions should not be measured by red envelopes’.
– Avoid testing red envelopes:
– Directly block or terminate the conversation for requests based on the reason of ‘see if you care about me’.

3.3 Identifying True Intent

– Observing feedback behavior:
– Determine whether the other party is making efforts for the relationship beyond requesting red envelopes. For example, whether the other party actively contacts and is willing to spend time with them.
– Assess the other party’s response:
– Reject a red envelope request and observe whether the other party exhibits extreme emotions (such as disappointment, anger, or blame) to assess their true intentions.

3.4 Using smart contracts or verification tools

– If red envelope or gift payments involve high amounts, smart contract tools can be used to set clear purposes and reward rules. For example:
– Record payment terms through blockchain tools and trace responsibility for unfulfilled actions.
– Use decentralized authentication tools (DID) to confirm the authenticity of the other party and avoid falling into false emotions.

4. Examples and Countermeasures

Scenario 1: Valentine’s Day Red Envelope

– The other party said, “It’s Valentine’s Day, give me a red envelope to make me happy
– Countermeasure: Refuse directly or give back through non economic means, such as sending blessings or choosing reasonably priced small gifts.

Scenario 2: Daily Milk Tea Red Envelopes

– The other person said, “I’m so tired. I want to drink milk tea. Can you send me 20 yuan
– Countermeasure: Respond with “I’ll treat you to milk tea next time we meet” and observe if the other person is really willing to meet or reciprocate.

Scenario 3: Emotion Test Red Envelope

– The other person said, “Send me a red envelope to see if you really like me
– Countermeasure: Directly express “dislike using red envelopes to express liking” and observe the other party’s attitude. If the other party shows excessive disappointment or emotional blackmail, contact should be terminated decisively.

5. Summary and Reminder

The essence of red envelope gift scams lies in exploiting the emotional and psychological weaknesses of the other party, and achieving economic exploitation through small, implicit demands. In the face of such scams, one should remain calm and rational, and refuse unreasonable economic demands. At the same time, using modern technologies such as smart contracts and blockchain tools to further regulate economic transactions, protect one’s financial security and emotional rights.

I hope readers can raise their vigilance through this article, identify such hidden scams, and establish healthy and equal social relationships.