Press "PandaGuides" above to follow us!
An elderly woman in Shanghai fell victim to a live-streamer’s elaborate emotional manipulation, losing ¥560,000 (US$76,000) over two years. The man, who had 42,000 followers, pretended to be her son and fabricated heart-wrenching stories to gain her trust and money.
The victim, surnamed Tang, is a 70-year-old unmarried and childless woman who lived alone. In 2022, her niece discovered Tang had been making frequent money transfers to the man, who presented himself as a kind-hearted influencer helping rural communities. Tang initially sent small gifts during his live-streams in 2021 but was soon persuaded to buy fake health products and lend him money.
The live-streamer, using the handle @lixuan, began calling Tang “mum” and contacted her daily to build an emotional bond. He claimed to have early-stage stomach cancer, a girlfriend needing an abortion, and a gravely ill father, all of which were lies. Tang, deeply moved by his words, even borrowed money to fulfill his requests.
Her relatives urged her to report the scam, but Tang resisted, even threatening self-harm. She only became suspicious when his calls became infrequent. In a calculated move, the scammer visited her, driving over 1,000 km, and filmed videos with her set to sentimental music. Shortly after, he asked her to stop contacting him, accusing her of distrust.
In late 2023, Tang finally reported him to the police. Investigators traced the scammer, Mao, through a photo of his car registration taken during his visit. Mao had used four fake identities to manipulate Tang. He was arrested in Shanghai, sentenced to 10.5 years in prison, and fined ¥100,000 (US$14,000).
Tang, who survives on a monthly pension of ¥4,000 (US$550), was left with debts exceeding ¥70,000 (US$9,500). She declined judicial assistance, feeling ashamed of the scam.
Source: SCMP
● Man spends ¥13 million on girlfriend, gets dumped for foreigner
● 38-year-old woman’s marriage requirements stir debate online
● Chinese woman chooses African partner, left broke after cancer
● Chinese man shares photos with German girlfriend, gets bullied
● Foreign woman fined for dating on tourist visa in China
● Chinese man marries African girl 12 years his junior for ¥9,000
● My friend chose to end her life in Zurich on October 24, 2024
Long press or scan the QR CODE below to follow us!
