Chinese man changes locks on vacant flat, sells it to unsuspecting couple for US$103,000

A man in eastern China deceived long-time friends out of over 700,000 yuan (US$103,000) by changing the lock on a random vacant flat and posing as its owner to sell it to them.Sun, a Shanghai resident who previously owned two shops that went out of business, had a history of serving time for fraud, according to the mainland media outlet Xinmin Evening News.Following his release from prison in 2017, a married couple he had known for nearly three decades consistently provided him with meals, financial help, and emotional support, despite their own status as migrant workers with limited means in Shanghai.Reportedly touched by their generosity, Sun vowed to repay them one day.To the couple, Sun appeared to be well-connected and financially stable: he was a local from Shanghai who owned retail spaces and falsely asserted that a cousin on the village committee had significant connections.When they sought his help in finding an affordable home, Sun took advantage of their desire to settle down by claiming access to discounted properties.Starting in 2023, Sun siphoned over 700,000 yuan from the couple, insisting the funds were for home purchase payments and loans that would be deducted from the final price.Two years later, he claimed to have secured them a relocation flat but demanded an additional 400,000 yuan (US$59,000) to finalise the deal.The actual owner, Wang, had left the flat empty for over three months while an agent sought tenants – which gave Sun his opening. Photo: Getty ImagesHowever, the flat was not his property. Sun identified a long-vacant unit in a resettlement housing estate, hired a locksmith under the pretence of having lost his keys, and changed the lock without providing proof of ownership.He then took the couple to view the property, handed them the new keys, and signed a fraudulent sales contract.The real owner, surnamed Wang, had kept the flat vacant for over three months while an agent searched for tenants, giving Sun the opportunity he needed.The fraud was uncovered in May 2025 when Wang arrived with a prospective tenant and discovered that his key no longer worked. Surveillance footage later revealed that the lock had been replaced, prompting Wang to alert the police.Further ReadingAfter his arrest, Sun confessed that the money had already been spent to settle debts and cover living expenses, making recovery seem unlikely.The couple had yet to pay the remaining balance, resulting in total losses exceeding 700,000 yuan. They had not publicly commented as of the publication date.When the couple asked for help finding an affordable home, Sun exploited their eagerness to settle down, falsely claiming he had access to discounted properties. Photo: ShutterstockRecently, a local court sentenced Sun to 10 years and three months in prison for fraud and imposed a fine of 100,000 yuan (US$15,000). It remains unclear whether the locksmith involved has faced any consequences.The case sparked a wave of outrage across mainland social media.One observer remarked: “The poor couple likely trusted their friend and did not verify the property ownership certificate.”Another stated: “Sun lacks a conscience. He is ungrateful and should kneel, apologise to the couple, and dedicate his life to atonement.”“Avoid property deals that don’t go through formal channels. Relevant documents should be verified, and people should not blindly trust referrals from acquaintances,” advised a third commenter.