Marin County, CA – Zhuowen Yu, a 43-year-old San Francisco resident, was arrested in connection with a series of financial scams targeting elderly adults in Marin County. According to the Marin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Yu is linked to at least two fraud cases in San Rafael and Point Reyes Station, with a total loss of over $64,000.
In both incidents, victims received electronic notifications claiming their Apple ID or Adobe Acrobat accounts had been “compromised.” The suspect then instructed the victims to withdraw large sums of cash from their bank accounts. Yu told the victims that couriers would arrive to collect the funds and “protect” them from further compromise. The scheme specifically targeted older adults.
Using automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras throughout the county, MCSO was able to track Yu’s vehicle. This led authorities to locate Yu and his vehicle in South San Francisco, where he was detained by the South San Francisco Police Department. After being interviewed by detectives, Yu confirmed his involvement in at least two incidents. Investigators are continuing to search for additional suspects tied to the operation.
Yu was booked into the Marin County Jail on charges including:
Grand theft
Financial elder abuse
Participating in a criminal conspiracy
Authorities have also sought a bail enhancement due to Yu’s “access to large quantities of illegally obtained cash and his connection to a criminal enterprise.” As of now, no bail has been set.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are working to identify any other individuals involved in the scam.
