A man from northwest China has been sentenced to over eight years in prison for defrauding three women out of a total of 540,000 yuan (approximately $75,000). Wang, from Wugong County in Shaanxi province, used the money to create a false image of wealth, portraying himself as a “diamond bachelor” and showering his real girlfriend with expensive gifts.
Wang, who was arrested following an investigation, deceived the victims by fabricating several financial emergencies. These included claiming his sister had cancer, needing money for an electric bike and mobile phone, and even inventing medical expenses for kidney problems. He convinced the women to lend him money, but when one of them demanded repayment, Wang continuously delayed, offering new excuses before eventually cutting off all contact.
Upon further investigation, it was revealed that two other women, both in their 30s and with similar life situations, had also fallen for his scheme. Wang, a low-income migrant worker with no car or home, pretended to be a successful businessman. He used the money he scammed from the women to purchase luxury gifts and take his actual girlfriend, Cheng, on lavish trips.
In an effort to maintain the illusion of success, Wang deceived the women into draining their savings and borrowing money from relatives and lenders. His actions left them in severe financial distress.
In January, a local court sentenced Wang to eight years and three months in prison, along with a fine of 50,000 yuan (about $6,900). He was also required to write an apology letter to the victims, promising to repay the stolen money once released.
The case highlights the growing issue of love scams in China, where online relationships are used to manipulate individuals into providing financial support. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of online fraud and the importance of awareness in protecting oneself from such scams.
