In a coordinated sting operation, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) in Tennessee apprehended two suspects involved in a complex financial scam that deceived a local resident.
The scam began when the victim received a fraudulent message posing as Norton Antivirus, falsely claiming an overdue $410 bill. After clicking a provided link, the victim unknowingly granted the scammers remote access to her computer. The criminals then altered her banking records to make it appear that she had mistakenly transferred $41,000 instead of $410. They further fabricated a story, claiming she had overpaid by $82,000 and demanding a cash refund.
Under pressure, the victim was instructed to withdraw large sums of money and deliver them to the scammers. Over several days, the scammers made repeated attempts to collect the funds and even installed an app on the victim’s phone to track her actions. The scheme was uncovered when the victim’s daughter recognized the fraud and notified authorities.
On February 24, FCSO investigators set up a sting operation at the victim’s home. When a vehicle arrived to pick up the money, deputies quickly blocked the suspects’ vehicle and arrested them.
Arrested Suspects:
Zhen Jin Li (Atlanta) – Bond: $200,000
Charges: Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Property, Possession of a Weapon in the Commission of a Felony, Attempted Theft, Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Services
Jun Xiao (Atlanta) – Bond: $150,000
Charges: Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Property, Attempted Theft, Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Services
Both suspects are in custody, awaiting their court date on April 28.
During the arrests, deputies seized:
$25,000 in cash linked to previous scam activities
A loaded H&K VP9 9mm handgun
FCSO officials urge residents to be cautious of growing financial scams and encourage anyone who believes they have been targeted to contact the sheriff’s office or local law enforcement.
