Overview: A Viral Claim Goes Pop in Chinese Cyberspace
A sensational post sweeping across Chinese-language online spaces claimed that a man could extract more than 210,000 yuan (about RM120,000) worth of gold from ordinary SIM cards. The rumor, amplified by social media and some news outlets, painted a startling picture: a simple, everyday object hiding the equivalent of a small fortune in precious metal. As with many viral claims, the question isn’t just “is it possible?” but “how did this start, and what’s the real story behind it?”
What the claim claims to show
According to the viral narrative, a person supposedly demonstrated a method to retrieve pure gold from SIM cards—allegedly extracting substantial value from components most people discard after a contract ends. The post suggested a mix of scientific trickery and luck that allowed the extraction of a life-changing amount of gold, turning an ordinary item into a treasure trove.
Reality Check: What’s really inside a SIM card
To understand the plausibility, it helps to know what SIM cards actually contain. A typical SIM card is a small plastic card with a metal contact surface and a tiny semiconductor module. The metals used are often copper and nickel for connections, with trace amounts of materials for conductivity. Any “gold” present would be in extremely small, non-laboratory quantities—far from the quantities claimed in the viral post.
The value of the precious metals within a SIM card is measured in fractions of a gram, if present at all, and certainly not enough to equate to tens or hundreds of thousands of yuan. In other words, even under the most generous assumptions, the math doesn’t add up to a windfall worth more than a typical daily wage.
Why such myths catch on
Viral hoaxes about hidden wealth have a long shelf life online. They play on the lure of easy money and the curiosity of “behind-the-scenes” tech tricks. In this case, the combination of a familiar object (a SIM card), a large monetary figure, and a hint of technical mystique created compelling clickbait. When audiences skim sensational headlines without rigorous fact-checking, misinformation can spread quickly across forums and social networks.
Evaluating the claim: steps for verification
- Check the source. Is there credible reporting from established outlets or official statements from telecom providers or consumer safety groups?
- Look for independent expert analysis. Metal content in consumer electronics is unlikely to yield substantial gold value, and any extraordinary claim should be supported by verifiable data.
- Assess the math. Estimate the potential gold content in typical SIM cards and compare it to the claimed sum. A tens or hundreds of yuan value is far more realistic than thousands of yuan unless a very specific, unlikely scenario exists.
- Be cautious of images or videos that lack context or seem staged. Visuals can be manipulated to imply credibility where there is none.
What this means for consumers
For everyday users, the episode serves as a reminder to treat sensational online claims with skepticism. It also shines a light on e-waste and material recycling. If genuine, salvaging any precious metals from old electronics is a highly specialized, resource-intensive process that typically involves licensed facilities and proper safety protocols—not a DIY phone trick that yields life-changing wealth.
Bottom line: Don’t let the lure of big numbers cloud judgment
The viral story about pulling 210,000 yuan out of SIM cards defies basic physics and material science. While electronics contain metals, the idea of extracting substantial gold from an ordinary SIM card isn’t supported by technical evidence. As information travels faster than ever online, readers should rely on credible sources and verify extraordinary claims before sharing. If you spot similar viral hoaxes, report them and seek expert opinions to protect yourself against misinformation.
Related angles to explore
- The real value of metals in electronic components and how recycling works
- Common online hoaxes in tech and how to spot them
- Impact of viral misinformation on consumer trust and telecom news
