60-Year-Old Woman Sentenced to 4 Years for Defrauding 20+ Million Yuan in Romance Scam

According to Beijing Evening News, a 60-year-old woman, Meng, was convicted today of defrauding a young man of over 20 million yuan by impersonating a 20-year-old girl in an online romance scam. Meng assumed the identity of "adopted daughter Xiaohong" and pretended to be a young woman, repeatedly borrowing money from the victim by fabricating reasons such as family illness and overseas exam preparations. The victim became suspicious after noticing her "girlfriend" used outdated expressions and discovered that photos allegedly taken abroad were actually shot at a domestic karaoke bar, prompting him to report the case to police.

After her arrest, Meng pleaded guilty. The defrauded 20+ million yuan was entirely invested in virtual currency leveraged trading, resulting in total losses following a market crash and liquidation of positions. The court sentenced Meng to four years in prison, imposed a fine, and ordered full restitution.