SOUTH WINDSOR, CT – In a disturbing scam targeting the elderly, a 90-year-old man from South Windsor found himself defrauded of nearly $50,000, according to local police. The incident led to the arrest of Qiao Zheng, 42, from Brooklyn, NY, on Thursday.
Authorities began their investigation on Monday after the victim reported receiving an email that seemed to come from PayPal. The email claimed that his account had been flagged due to a suspicious Bitcoin purchase. Worried about potential issues, the victim called a “support number” provided in the communication.
It was during this call that the situation worsened. The suspect, using fraudulent tactics, gained remote access to the victim’s computer through a deceptive link. When he attempted to facilitate a money transfer online and failed, he convinced the 90-year-old to withdraw $49,900 in cash to be handed over to a courier.
The case took a turn when the suspect contacted the victim again, demanding an additional $20,000. Unbeknownst to the suspects, police had been alerted and were surveilling the area around the victim’s home.
Authorities were present when Zheng appeared at the victim’s residence to collect the second sum. Upon arrival, Zheng was promptly taken into custody.
Charged with conspiracy to commit second-degree larceny, Zheng was held on a $100,000 surety bond. He was expected to appear before Manchester Superior Court on Friday morning.
This incident underscores the increasing sophistication of scams aimed at vulnerable individuals. Officials remind the public to verify communications concerning financial transactions and to exercise caution with unsolicited emails.
The South Windsor Police Department continues to emphasize the importance of reporting any suspicious activity or fraudulent communications to prevent further victimization within the community.
