Man sells flat he doesn’t own, cheats close friends of nearly ₹1 crore: Social media reacts

Man Sells Flat He Doesn’t Own, Cheats Close Friends of Nearly ₹1 Crore: Social Media Reacts

Theindiapostdaily.com – A man in Shanghai has been caught in a real estate scam that defrauded two close friends of almost ₹1 crore. The incident, which gained traction on social media, involves the accused selling a property he did not own, exploiting the trust of those who had supported him for nearly three decades. According to reports, the victims were left in financial distress after the scheme unraveled, prompting public outrage and discussions about fraud in personal relationships. The story highlights the vulnerability of individuals who rely on informal networks for housing solutions, often without verifying legal ownership details.

Exploiting Trust Through Deception

The accused, identified as Sun, had previously operated two shops, both of which collapsed, and faced a prior fraud conviction before being released in 2017. Despite this history, the couple continued to provide him with meals, financial aid, and emotional support. Sun capitalized on their long-standing relationship, presenting himself as financially stable and well-connected. When the couple sought affordable housing, Sun claimed his cousin, a village committee member, had access to discounted properties. Over two years, he collected more than 700,000 yuan in structured payments, convincing them the funds were deposits and loans to be deducted from the final price.

By 2025, Sun informed the couple he had secured a relocation flat, demanding an additional 400,000 yuan to finalize the deal. The property, however, belonged to someone else—Wang, a local resident who had left it vacant for over three months. Sun replaced the lock without showing proof of ownership and handed over the keys to the couple. A fraudulent contract was signed, formalizing the transaction. The deception was uncovered in May 2025 when Wang returned with a potential tenant, only to find his key no longer worked. Surveillance footage confirmed the lock had been tampered with, leading to a police investigation.

Social Media Outcry and Public Reaction

The case has sparked widespread criticism on social media platforms, with users calling for stricter checks on property deals. One commenter emphasized the importance of verifying ownership documents, stating, “Always confirm property ownership certificates before finalizing a deal. Trust is important, but so is due diligence.” Another user condemned Sun’s actions, arguing, “He used his close relationship to manipulate the victims, showing a complete lack of conscience.” The third reaction highlighted the couple’s lack of awareness, noting, “They didn’t question the process because they trusted their friend too much.”

As the scandal spreads, it has prompted debates about the role of personal connections in financial decisions. Many online users argue that such scams thrive on emotional bonds, making victims more susceptible to deception. Others are questioning the adequacy of legal safeguards in real estate transactions, especially when dealing with acquaintances. The case has also raised awareness about the importance of transparency in property sales, particularly for those without prior experience in the housing market. Social media trends indicate a growing interest in preventive measures, such as requiring third-party verification before signing contracts.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

After his arrest, Sun admitted to using the stolen funds to settle personal debts and cover living expenses. The couple, however, had yet to pay the remaining amount, leaving the full recovery of the money uncertain. A local court sentenced Sun to 10 years and 3 months in prison, along with a fine of 100,000 yuan (nearly ₹14 lakh). The fine aims to deter similar acts of fraud, but some users question whether the locksmith involved, who helped replace the lock, should also face legal consequences. The case is now a cautionary tale for those who may be tempted to trust someone they know without scrutinizing their financial dealings.

Legal experts suggest that the scam underscores gaps in current regulations, particularly regarding property ownership verification. They recommend stricter checks for all real estate transactions, regardless of the seller’s relationship with the buyer. The court’s decision has been praised for its severity, but critics argue that the punishment might not be enough to deter future instances of fraud. Meanwhile, the victims are left to navigate the emotional and financial aftermath, with some expressing frustration over the lack of accountability for those who aided Sun in the deception.