A homeless man in China allegedly masqueraded as a wealthy nightclub owner and deceived at least five women over a period of ten days, using their money to enjoy luxury outings, purchase new clothes, and even obtain the latest smartphone.
According to a report by South China Morning Post, the elaborate scam came to light in August after a woman using the alias Liu Qian filed a complaint with police in Shanghai’s Putuo District.
Woman realised money under her bed was fake
Liu told police that she had been hired by the 36 year old suspect, identified only by his surname Chen, who introduced himself as the owner of a popular nightclub. She said that she had acted as his local guide, taking him to dinner and entertainment venues, for which he had promised to pay her 3,500 yuan in cash.
The next day, Chen arrived at her home carrying a black plastic bag. Inside, he displayed what appeared to be between 50,000 and 60,000 yuan in cash. He told her that the money had to be kept under her bed for feng shui purposes and claimed it would be more than enough to pay her and cover any upcoming expenses.
Liu, who needed to pay her rent that day, intended to use a portion of the cash. However, after Chen stepped outside to “take a call,” she opened the bag and discovered it was filled with training banknotes that are typically used by bank tellers for practice.
Police discover pattern of luxury outings funded by victims
{{/usCountry}}Liu, who needed to pay her rent that day, intended to use a portion of the cash. However, after Chen stepped outside to “take a call,” she opened the bag and discovered it was filled with training banknotes that are typically used by bank tellers for practice.
Police discover pattern of luxury outings funded by victims
{{/usCountry}}As reported by SCMP, the police investigation uncovered that Chen had been repeatedly visiting high end establishments in Shanghai, each time in the company of a different woman. He allegedly made them pay for food, drinks, hotel rooms and taxi rides. The women agreed willingly, believing him to be wealthy after seeing bundles of what they believed to be real cash.
By the time they realised they had been misled, he had disappeared. Even the stylish clothing he wore and the latest smartphone he used had been purchased with money provided by the women he targeted.
Fake agent accounts and stacks of training notes
To attract victims, Chen reportedly used a secondary account to pose as an agent in online chat groups, posting advertisements for “high paying companionship” jobs. During meetings, he would present stacks of training banknotes with a few genuine notes placed on the top and bottom, creating the illusion of substantial wealth.
He would then place the bundle in a fixed spot and promise to settle payments later. When he failed to secure a new target quickly, he slept on public park benches until morning before beginning his search again.
Suspect formally arrested
Investigators have found that Chen defrauded at least five women through this method. He has now been formally arrested on charges of fraud.