Des Moines, Iowa — A Chicago man has been arrested in Polk County after authorities say he attempted to collect gold from a victim as part of a fraudulent computer scam targeting older Iowans.
Ali Mohammed Murtuza Syed faces one count of conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony, a Class D felony, following a joint investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a criminal complaint, Syed admitted to working with others in a scheme designed to defraud elderly individuals of money and valuables. Investigators said the fraud involved a computer virus scam, where victims were tricked into believing their computers were compromised and persuaded to transfer money or assets to resolve the issue.
In one such incident, Syed allegedly traveled to Grimes, Iowa, to retrieve gold from a victim. Officers confronted him at the scene, and he attempted to flee in his vehicle before being apprehended.
“These scams specifically target older Iowans,” said Matt Mortvedt, Chief of the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau. “We continue to pursue numerous investigations involving this computer virus scheme and other similar scams.”
Syed was booked into the Polk County Jail, where he remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
