Two Men Arrested for Alleged Fraud Targeting Elderly Victim

Two individuals were arrested in Washington, D.C., after allegedly impersonating federal agents to scam an elderly man. The Metropolitan Police Department reported the arrest of Chu Lin, 50, from New York, and Xiean Cheng, 42, from North Carolina. They face charges of second-degree financial fraud.

Authorities revealed that the suspects targeted an 85-year-old man by informing him that his bank funds were at risk of being seized. The scammers convinced him to buy over $200,000 in gold bars to “secure” his money.

The deceit began on July 8, when the scammers first made contact via email and phone, masquerading as federal agents. Unaware of the ruse, the victim proceeded to buy gold bars. Fortunately, the gold dealer identified the scheme and notified the victim, thus preventing the transaction.

Following the alert from the gold dealer, the Metropolitan Police Department’s Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit and the FBI launched an investigation. Upon the alleged scammers’ arrival at the victim’s home to collect the gold, they were apprehended by officers from the Violent Crime Suppression Division.

This incident underscores the importance of vigilance with financial transactions, especially concerning individuals posing as authorities. The collaboration between the FBI and local police was crucial in halting this fraudulent scheme.