Liqing Chi, a 29-year-old resident of Flushing, New York, was arrested on Wednesday in connection with a phone scam sting operation involving impersonation of federal officers. The operation unfolded in Canton, New York, and was initiated after a woman received threatening phone calls from individuals claiming to be U.S. Marshals.
The suspects demanded money, alleging the woman owed a federal debt. Instead of complying, the woman contacted the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, which quickly set up a sting operation.
As part of the setup, the woman arranged to meet the scammer at a business on East Main Street in Canton. When Chi showed up, detectives were waiting and promptly arrested him on-site.
Chi was charged with attempted grand larceny, a felony, and arraigned in Canton Town Court. He was released following the court appearance but was immediately taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations for suspected immigration violations.
This incident highlights the growing threat of impersonation scams and the importance of reporting suspicious communications. Law enforcement officials emphasized that federal agencies do not demand payments over the phone.
Anyone receiving similar calls is urged to contact local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.
