A 60-year-old farmer from Zhoukou, Henan, China, surnamed Li, spent nearly 70,000 yuan (41,300 ringgit) of his savings from his bank card tipping a female livestreamer over just eight days, leaving only 33 yuan in his account.
Afterwards, he lost control of his emotions, slapped himself, and cried in guilt: "Sorry to my wife and daughter."
According to Yangcheng Evening News, the elderly farmer Li said he met the streamer on a livestreaming platform. The streamer frequently enticed him to tip with phrases like "please protect me" and "love you," and even performed stripteases in the videos, gradually making him addicted and continually topping up and tipping.
"I became her top tipper, spent nearly 70,000 yuan, and we've even met in person."
Li's two daughters said helplessly that the family is in financial difficulties: their mother is disabled, and the family relies on their father's farming to survive. "He wouldn't even replace socks with holes in them, and these savings were meant for family emergencies, but now they've all been spent, and the family is in trouble."
After the incident came to light, Li and his daughters tried to get the money back from the streamer, but she flatly denied everything and demanded evidence. Li then complained to the platform, which responded that it had received the feedback and would launch an investigation.
Legal Interpretation: Tipping Is Mostly Considered a 'Gift', Refunds Are Difficult
Chinese legal experts pointed out that courts usually recognize livestream tipping as a 'gift' in such cases, making refunds extremely difficult. Unless the contract is invalid, voidable, or a condition has not been met, in principle, the money will not be returned.
Common situations where money can be recovered include: tipping by minors, excessive spending of marital community property, and tipping that involves illegal or non-compliant content. Experts remind that adults should consume rationally to avoid falling into hardship due to momentary impulses; platforms should also strengthen supervision and risk reminders to protect the rights and interests of users — especially vulnerable groups.