Homeless Shanghai Man Scams Five Women by Posing as Wealthy Businessman: A Modern Dating Fraud Scheme

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A remarkable case from Shanghai has emerged about a homeless man who successfully deceived multiple women by creating an illusion of wealth. Within just a 10-day period, he persuaded five different women to finance his expenses while he visited high-end establishments, acquired new attire, and even purchased the latest smartphone model, according to South China Morning Post.

Authorities discovered the deception after a victim reported the incident, revealing astonishing details about the man's elaborate scheme. In August, police in Shanghai's Putuo District received a formal complaint from a woman who introduced herself as Liu Qian. She reported being defrauded by a 36-year-old man named Chen, who had presented himself as the owner of a nightclub.

Liu recounted that the previous day, she had spent time with Chen exploring the city, enjoying meals at restaurants, and visiting various entertainment venues. Chen had made a promise to provide her with 3,500 yuan in cash.

The following morning, Chen arrived at her residence carrying a black plastic bag. When he opened it, he displayed what appeared to be 50,000 to 60,000 yuan in cash. He claimed this money needed to be placed beneath her bed for Feng Shui purposes. Additionally, he mentioned that he would "employ" her in the future and that the amount would cover his payment and their expenses.

As Liu needed to pay her rent that day, she thought she could utilize a small portion of the money. However, when Chen stepped outside claiming to take a phone call, she examined the bag and discovered it contained primarily training banknotes rather than genuine currency. Only a few bills at the top and bottom of the stack were authentic.

Police investigation revealed that Chen regularly frequented expensive venues, each time accompanied by a different woman. He manipulated these women into covering all expenses, including food, beverages, hotel accommodations, and transportation. The women willingly paid because they observed large amounts of cash in his possession and assumed he was affluent.

When authorities apprehended him, they discovered that his clothing and new smartphone had also been purchased with money from the very women he had deceived.

To enhance the credibility of his scheme, Chen would pose as an agent in online chat groups using a separate account, attracting women with promises of "high-paying companionship." When women made contact, he would display bundles of cash—actually training notes strategically layered with real currency to create an authentic appearance.

He would then secure the money away and promise to provide full payment upon completion of their arrangement.

If he failed to find a new victim promptly, his funds would be depleted. During such periods, he would spend nights sleeping on benches in public parks before venturing out the following morning to identify his next target.