A Massachusetts man is facing charges after allegedly attempting to scam an Essex resident out of $15,000, according to police.
Yi Peng Luo, 35, of Revere, was arrested Wednesday and charged with attempted larceny over $1,200.
Police said a concerned family member contacted the Essex Police Department around 12:30 p.m. after learning the victim had been told—both online and by phone—that their computer was infected with a virus.
“The scammer claimed that to fix the situation, the resident had to pay $15,000 in cash immediately, which the resident was prepared to do,” the department said in a statement.
When officers arrived at the home, they found Luo on the property and determined he had no legitimate reason to be there. He was taken into custody. Authorities described Luo as an alleged courier in the scheme and believe others may also have been involved. Investigators are working to identify additional suspects.
Luo is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in Gloucester District Court. It remains unclear whether he has legal representation.
Essex Police Chief Thomas Shamshak warned that such schemes are becoming more common statewide. “If we catch you trying to scam our residents, you will be arrested,” he said. “These types of scams are increasingly common in Essex and across the Commonwealth, and I hope this arrest sends the message that we will not stand idly by and let our residents be victimized.”
Police also highlighted several Federal Trade Commission tips to help residents avoid scams:
Scammers often pretend to represent trusted organizations, including government agencies like the IRS or Medicare, or well-known companies such as utilities, tech firms, or charities.
They create a sense of urgency, claiming there’s a problem—like a virus, unpaid debt, or family emergency—or offering a fake prize or lottery win.
They pressure victims to act immediately, sometimes warning against hanging up or threatening arrest or legal trouble.
Scammers demand payment in specific ways, including Bitcoin, wire transfer, or gift cards. Some send fake checks and ask victims to forward money.
Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, even from companies you recognize. Instead, use verified websites or phone numbers to contact the business directly.
