SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Hang Zhan, a 29-year-old man from Glen Allen, Virginia, has been arrested after allegedly scamming a Sullivan County resident out of more than $130,000 and convincing her to empty her bank account.
According to the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), the victim reported the scam on April 8. She stated that while shopping online on April 4, she received a pop-up message instructing her to contact Microsoft regarding illegal activity on her computer. After calling the provided number, she was told that her computer contained child pornography and that she needed to pay for its removal.
Following the scammer’s instructions, the victim purchased $900 worth of Apple gift cards that night. She was informed that the total cost to resolve the issue would be $4,000 but could be settled the next morning.
On April 5, another caller instructed her to buy an additional $3,000 in gift cards. The victim complied, providing the necessary information. Subsequently, she was told that her bank account had been compromised and that she needed to withdraw all of her funds to prevent further issues.
Following the scammer’s directions, the victim withdrew $130,000 from multiple bank branches while staying on the phone with them, who advised her to claim she was purchasing a vehicle if questioned.
On April 6, a man arrived at her home to collect the withdrawn cash, which she handed over before he left on foot. She later noticed him getting into a gray vehicle a few streets away.
The SCSO was alerted about a suspicious gray BMW in the area on April 6, and investigators later identified the driver as Hang Zhan. The victim confirmed Zhan as the individual to whom she had given the money.
An arrest warrant was issued, charging Zhan with theft of property over $60,000, financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable person, and fraud. Virginia State Police apprehended him during a traffic stop on April 16.