STANISLAUS COUNTY, CA – A 35-year-old man from Oakland has been arrested in connection with an elder abuse scam that defrauded an elderly woman of $30,000. Zhongqiang Chen was taken into custody on November 14 on charges including false representation, using a forged access card, and grand theft following a detailed investigation by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident began on November 12 when the elderly woman received an email from someone posing as McAfee Customer Service, claiming her antivirus software had expired. After responding to the email, the victim connected with the scammer, who remotely took control of her computer.
The scammer used this access to transfer $60,000 from the victim’s money market account to her checking account. He then convinced the victim that she owed him the full amount, demanding an initial payment of $30,000.
On November 13, the scammer called the victim and threatened to pick up the remaining $30,000 the next day. Concerned, the victim’s son contacted the authorities, prompting the Stanislaus Sheriff’s General Crimes Unit to launch an undercover operation.
On November 14, undercover detectives were positioned at the victim’s home to catch the scammer in the act. At around 12:30 p.m., Zhongqiang Chen arrived to collect the money and was immediately arrested. He is currently being held on $110,000 bail.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into this case is ongoing, and authorities are exploring whether there are other victims or suspects involved in similar scams. The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office urges residents, especially older adults, to remain vigilant against scams that often target seniors.
Common Scams Targeting Older Adults
The Stanislaus Sheriff’s Office warns that scammers are skilled at pretending to be representatives from legitimate organizations. They often claim that the victim owes money to the government, has a family emergency, or needs to fix an issue with their bank or computer. Scammers may also tell victims they’ve won a lottery or sweepstakes but need to pay a fee before claiming the prize.
Scammers frequently pressure victims to act quickly, threatening severe consequences like arrest or suspension of privileges if they do not comply. These fraudsters typically request payment through specific methods, such as gift cards or wire transfers.
Preventing Elder Fraud
To help protect against fraud, Byron Nelson, an attorney with the Stanislaus Senior Law Project, recommends the following tips for seniors:
Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers.
Hang up if a company calls asking for personal information, and call the number listed on their official website.
Verify any emergency calls from family members by calling them directly.
Be cautious of unsolicited offers, such as winning a lottery or sweepstakes.
Resist the pressure to act quickly – scammers often try to rush you into making a decision.
The Senior Law Project also suggests that seniors request paper contracts in their native language when entering into agreements and review them carefully.
Key Takeaway
To avoid becoming a victim of fraud, it’s important to be cautious about unsolicited calls, emails, or messages, especially those requesting personal information or immediate payments. Remember, legitimate businesses will never ask for sensitive details over the phone or via email. Always take time to consult with someone you trust before making any financial decisions.
For more information on fraud prevention and how to protect yourself from scams, visit the California Attorney General’s website or contact your local Sheriff’s Office.
