‘K-wave’ scams exploiting Brazil’s superfans triggers police pact
South China Morning Post
by SCMP’s Asia deskFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A surge of 'K-wave' scams has hit Brazil, targeting fans of Korean pop culture with fraudulent schemes designed to exploit their passion for K-pop stars. The case of Tami, a Brazilian fan who purchased a rare Polaroid photo signed by ZeroBaseOne member Zhang Hao from a seller claiming to be South Korean, is just one example of these growing scams. After transferring money and receiving nothing in return, Tami discovered the seller had vanished by switching their account to private. This incident highlights a broader pattern of exploitation by scammers preying on Brazil's enthusiastic K-pop community.
Brazil is home to one of Latin America's most fervent K-pop fanbases, driven by an intense admiration for Korean celebrities and culture. Scammers have capitalized on this passion by creating fake profiles, often impersonating South Koreans or claiming access to exclusive items, such as autographed memorabilia or tickets to meet-and-greets with stars. These schemes are particularly effective because they tap into the emotional connection fans feel toward K-pop idols.
The rise of these scams reflects a broader issue of online fraud targeting niche communities, particularly those centered around popular culture. As K-pop's global influence continues to grow, so does the potential for exploitation by criminals seeking to profit from fans' devotion. This situation underscores the need for greater consumer awareness and improved verification processes to protect against such fraudulent activities.
The impact of these scams extends beyond Brazil, raising questions about how global fan communities can be better protected from similar exploits. As K-pop's popularity spreads further, so too does the challenge of safeguarding its fans from those who seek to manipulate their enthusiasm for profit. This issue highlights the importance of education and collaboration between fans, platforms, and law enforcement to combat these emerging threats.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/24/2026