A prominent influencer on the platform RedNote, known by the handle Anlan, is facing intense public scrutiny following allegations that she faked a 1 million yuan (approximately US$150,000) donation intended for flood relief in China’s Guangxi region. The region has been severely impacted by typhoon-induced flooding since July, with local authorities reporting 159 deaths.

On September 7, social media users began questioning the authenticity of a donation receipt posted by Anlan. Investigations into the claim led to inquiries with the Red Cross, which reportedly found no record of a 1 million yuan transfer. Instead, the organization indicated that the only contributions linked to the account were for negligible amounts, specifically citing 15-cent offers. The discrepancy has sparked a broader conversation online regarding the ethics of influencers using charitable causes to boost their public image.

While the influencer has been the subject of widespread criticism, the incident highlights ongoing concerns about the verification of charitable claims made by high-profile social media figures in China. As of now, the influencer has not provided a public explanation for the discrepancy between the receipt she shared and the records held by the Red Cross.