In an extraordinary case of digital manipulation, a man in China named Wang purchased 4,600 phones to artificially boost live stream viewership, resulting in earnings of $415,000 in less than four months. However, this lucrative scheme ultimately led to Wang being sentenced to one year and three months in prison and fined 50,000 yuan ($7,000) for illegal commercial activities.
The Scheme: “Brushing” for Profit
Wang’s venture into this deceptive practice began in late 2022 when a friend introduced him to the concept of “brushing.” Brushing involves simulating real viewer interactions on live streams, including viewer numbers, likes, comments, and shares, to mislead consumers about the stream’s popularity and engagement.
Execution: High-Tech Manipulation
To execute this plan, Wang acquired 4,600 smartphones, all controlled by specialized cloud software. He also purchased VPN services, routers, and switches from a tech company based in Changsha, Hunan province. This setup allowed him to direct all phones to a target live stream simultaneously, significantly inflating viewership metrics with just a few clicks on his computer.
The cost to operate each phone was less than one dollar per day, and the final price of Wang’s service depended on how long the phones remained connected to the live stream and the number of phones involved. By March of the following year, he had earned approximately $415,000 by selling this service to live streamers who wanted to enhance their online performance.
The Downfall: Legal Consequences
Despite the initial financial success, Wang’s activities caught the attention of authorities, leading to his arrest and subsequent sentencing. Wang admitted to purchasing bulk fake viewer accounts and sourcing the phones from the second-hand market.
This case underscores the lengths to which some individuals will go to exploit digital platforms for profit and the ongoing challenges in combating such deceptive practices. The significant earnings and eventual legal repercussions highlight both the potential rewards and risks associated with manipulating online engagement metrics.
As live streaming continues to grow in popularity, ensuring genuine interaction and combating fraudulent activities like brushing will be critical for maintaining the integrity of digital platforms.
