Comment by wavemode

I'm not upset, and I don't think your examples are analogous, since they all do have a specific meaning beyond "scam".

I think both things can be true - the term originated from Chinese and became a common term in that region for long conning people over the internet, sure. But, at the same time, the media has also latched onto its use largely for dramatic effect, even when there is no evidence the scammers are Chinese.