An organized fraud scheme targeted an 81-year-old Central Florida woman in a multi-thousand dollar elder fraud scam.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives were alerted that an 81-year-old woman was being actively scammed at her home on the 16000 block of Loneoak View Drive in Lithia near Tampa.
Detectives believe the scammers gained remote access to the elderly victim’s computer after she clicked on a malicious email and convinced her they had accidentally deposited $50,000 into her bank account.
Deputies learned the woman had withdrawn $24,000 from her bank and handed the money to an unidentified courier. After receiving the funds, the courier sent the woman a fraudulent receipt and arranged for an additional payment the following day.
The woman was contacted and instructed to provide $25,000 to a courier. Detectives coordinated with the woman and prepared $25,000 in simulated currency for the scheduled pickup.
40-year-old Min Chen arrived at the woman’s home to pick up the money. During that time, detectives conducted surveillance and later arrested Chen after he parked at a nearby plaza. Deputies observed the simulated currency removed from its packaging and placed on the vehicle’s center console.
Chen advised he is not a citizen of the United States, holds Canadian citizenship, and is originally from China.
Chen was charged with offenses including: Organized Fraud of a Person 65 Years of Age or Older ($20,000 to $50,000), Theft from Persons 65 Years of Age or Older ($10,000 to $50,000), and Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communications Device.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to protecting our senior citizens from those who seek to exploit them,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We encourage families to speak with elderly loved ones about common scam tactics and to report suspicious activity immediately.”
The Central Florida investigation remains ongoing, according to local law enforcement.
