Penghu Dried Small Squid Market Price Over $30 Per Pound; Police Warn of Online Low-Price Scams
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Police are warning consumers about online scams selling dried small squid (xiaoguan gan) at prices far below market value.
- Local seafood vendors in Penghu say this year's limited catch and labor-intensive processing make dried small squid cost over $30 per pound, with cheaper online offers likely fake.
- Authorities urge shoppers to verify sellers and payment methods for online purchases and to call the 165 anti-fraud hotline if suspicious.
Online advertisements are luring consumers with deeply discounted dried small squid, but Penghu authorities and local seafood vendors warn these offers are likely scams. The summer season is prime time for small squid in Penghu, a delicacy prized for its dried form. However, this year's catch is limited, and the labor-intensive process of drying and sun-curing the squid drives up costs.
If the online selling price is only a few hundred yuan per pound, it is almost impossible for it to be genuine Penghu dried small squid. Consumers must be highly vigilant when they see prices that are too low.
Seafood vendors report that genuine Penghu dried small squid typically sells for over $30 per pound. Offers online that are less than half this price are almost certainly not authentic, they say. Vendors advise consumers to be wary of prices that seem too good to be true and to purchase seafood only from reputable businesses or official channels to avoid low-quality products or falling victim to fraud.
Scammers often use popular products, limited-time offers, and low-price promotions to lure people into making purchases. When facing products with prices significantly below market value, consumers should verify the seller's information and transaction methods, and do not remit money lightly.
The Penghu County Police Bureau highlighted that online shopping scams are rampant, with fraudsters using popular products, limited-time deals, and low prices to attract victims. They urge consumers to investigate seller information and transaction methods thoroughly before making any payments. For suspicious messages or potential scams, the public can contact the 165 anti-fraud hotline for verification and assistance in protecting their assets.
If you receive suspicious messages or suspect you have encountered a scam, you can immediately call the 165 anti-fraud hotline for inquiries and jointly protect your personal property safety.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.