On March 6th, 2025, an elderly homeowner in New Braunfels was nearly scammed out of a significant amount of money, but thanks to quick thinking, the scam was foiled before any funds were exchanged. The incident began when the resident received an email about fraudulent activity on a cryptocurrency account. The email instructed the homeowner on how to reverse the supposed fraudulent activity by allowing a third party to remotely access their computer. As part of the scam, the resident was also instructed to withdraw a large sum of money, with plans for a courier to pick it up.
Recognizing the potential fraud, the elderly resident wisely called the New Braunfels Police Department (NBPD) before proceeding with any financial transactions. On March 7th, officers were waiting at the residence when the courier arrived to collect the cash. The suspect, 25-year-old Chaopeng Huang of San Lorenzo, California, was arrested without incident.
Huang was charged with multiple offenses, including:
Exploitation of the Elderly
Financial Abuse of the Elderly (amount between $2,500 and $30,000)
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Penalty Group 1/1-B <1G)
He was transported to the Comal County Jail and later released on a $25,000 bond on March 9th. The investigation into the scam continues, with further arrests and charges potentially pending. The New Braunfels Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is working closely with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations to track down additional individuals involved in the fraud.
Scam Details & Prevention Tips
This case highlights the growing issue of scams targeting elderly individuals, though scammers don't exclusively target this demographic. The New Braunfels Police Department has shared a list of tips to help the public avoid falling victim to similar schemes:
Do not reveal any personal information: If you receive unsolicited emails or phone calls, be wary and do not provide any personal details.
Avoid withdrawing money or buying gift cards: Scammers may ask you to make cash payments or purchase gift cards. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will never request payment in this manner.
Be cautious about allowing unknown individuals into your home: Scammers often impersonate service providers or government officials. Always verify identities before granting access.
Report suspicious activity: If you suspect you've been targeted by a scam, immediately contact the New Braunfels Police Department at their non-emergency number: 830-221-4100.
NBPD reminds the public that scammers can pose as anyone—law enforcement officers, IRS agents, or even employees of well-known organizations. They can be highly convincing, so it is essential to stay vigilant and cautious when receiving unsolicited communications.
The investigation into this scam is ongoing, and the authorities continue to search for those responsible for orchestrating this fraudulent activity.