A California woman is behind bars in connection with an alleged fraud scheme that cost a Midland County couple more than $100,000.
Yahui Zhu, 44, of West Covina, California, was arrested on Jan. 16 by Michigan State Police and is currently being held in the Midland County Jail on a $500,000 bond. She was arraigned by Midland County District Court Magistrate Gerald Ladwig on a charge of false pretenses involving $20,000 or more.
Zhu is scheduled to appear for a probable cause hearing at 1 p.m. on Feb. 3 before Judge Michael Carpenter.
According to Michigan State Police Lt. Ashley Miller, troopers launched an investigation into a series of scams involving fraudulent gift cards, cryptocurrency transactions, and other deceptive tactics. The schemes allegedly targeted an 84-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman.
During the investigation, troopers intercepted Zhu, who is believed to have been acting as a courier for the scammers, and stopped an in-person cash exchange before additional money could be lost.
“In this situation, the scammers escalated their efforts by meeting the victims at their residence,” Miller said. “We are seeing this type of fraudulent activity throughout the state.”
Zhu was arrested following the interception. Miller credited the swift action of the troopers with preventing further financial losses for the elderly couple.
Miller also reminded the public that the Federal Trade Commission will never threaten individuals, instruct them to transfer money for protection, or ask them to withdraw cash, buy gold, or hand over money to a third party.
