Impersonation to Sell "Fortune Bags" for Fraud; Baishatun Mazu Charity Association Urges Public Not to Be Deceived

CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY

(Central News Agency reporter Wu Che-hao, Changhua, 3rd) After the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage ended, a fraud group promoted and sold "Fortune Bags" through a fan page named "Baishatun Temple Street Cultural and Creative," claiming that the proceeds would be donated to the Baishatun Tianshang Shengmu Charity Development Association. The charity association today came forward to urge the public not to be deceived.

Liu Baolian, the founding president of the Baishatun Tianshang Shengmu Charity Development Association, stated that in the face of AI disinformation chaos, they have simultaneously collected evidence and reported it to the police, and will pursue legal action to the end without leniency. The charity association also called on the public that if they receive similar fundraising messages, they must heighten their vigilance, verify the source, and not easily believe or forward them, so as to avoid falling into fraud traps.

After the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage in Miaoli successfully concluded with the opening of the incense burner ceremony on the 1st, a fraud group established a fan page on Facebook named "Baishatun Temple Street Cultural and Creative," using AI-altered images to impersonate a temple secretary and sell "Fortune Bags," claiming that the charity sales proceeds would be donated to the temple and the Baishatun Tianshang Shengmu Charity Association.

Liu Baolian issued a press release today to clarify that the content of the fan page has no connection with the temple or the charity association, and they have already reported the case to the police for investigation.

Liu Baolian pointed out that unscrupulous individuals exploit the faith and good intentions of devotees for fraud. This behavior is not just about defrauding money, but also trampling on faith, which is extremely malicious and despicable. She emphasized that Baishatun Mazu has long gathered social goodwill and positive energy, but now being exploited by malicious individuals has seriously damaged the image of faith and even shaken the foundation of social trust. (Edited by Huang Mingxi) 1150503

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