Sat Mar 08 05:59:37 UTC 2025: ## Shenzhen Woman’s Elaborate Dating Scam Leaves 36 Men Out of Thousands of Dollars

**Shenzhen, China** – A sophisticated con artist has defrauded at least 36 men in Shenzhen, China, by manipulating them into purchasing apartments in nearby cities under the guise of a romantic relationship. The woman, known only as Liu Jia to her victims, targeted men in their 30s, charming them with a fabricated persona before convincing them to invest in properties in Huizhou and Guangdong province.

One victim, identified only as Atao, described Liu as “tender, virtuous, family-oriented, and considerate.” Liu reportedly spun a tale of a stable job at an e-commerce company and a desire to settle down, convincing Atao that buying a property was a prerequisite for meeting his parents and cohabiting. She even contributed a significant portion of the down payment, adding an air of legitimacy to the scheme.

However, after Atao purchased the apartment, Liu abruptly ended contact, leaving him burdened with a substantial mortgage and rent in Shenzhen. The scam cost Atao a monthly loan repayment of approximately 4,100 yuan (Rs 49,317) in addition to his existing rent. Other victims reportedly faced similar financial repercussions.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Last month, a Shanghai woman, surnamed Meng, was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison for a similar real estate fraud scheme involving her relatives and a fabricated wealthy husband. This case highlights a growing trend of property-related scams in China, emphasizing the importance of caution and due diligence in romantic relationships and financial dealings. Authorities are currently investigating the extent of Liu Jia’s scam and pursuing further arrests.

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