VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. — An elaborate computer scam targeting an elderly Ventura County resident allegedly began with a frightening pop-up message and ended with a suspect being arrested after investigators set a trap for a second cash pickup.
Ze Li, 35, of Fremont, is facing multiple felony charges after prosecutors accused him of acting as a courier for scammers who allegedly targeted the elderly victim.
According to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, the victim ultimately handed over $20,000 in cash after being convinced that his bank account had been compromised.
Investigators say the scheme involved fake technology warnings, an impostor federal official and increasingly alarming claims designed to pressure the victim into turning over his money.
Fake Microsoft Warning Starts the Scheme
The alleged scam began on Aug. 4, when the victim received a pop-up message on his computer instructing him to call what appeared to be a Microsoft support number.
After making the call, the victim was reportedly transferred between several people before eventually speaking with someone identifying himself as “Damian Myers.”
Myers allegedly told the victim that someone had used his Ventura County Credit Union account to make a $25,000 purchase of child pornography in China.
Prosecutors say the claim was completely false.
Although the caller allegedly told the victim the transaction had been stopped, he then claimed the victim needed to withdraw cash to protect his money.
The frightening story appears to have convinced the victim that his finances were in immediate danger.
Victim Withdraws $20,000 and Buys Gift Cards
Following the alleged scammers’ instructions, the victim withdrew $20,000 in cash from two credit union branches. He also purchased another $5,000 in gift cards, according to prosecutors.
The victim was then allegedly instructed to package the $20,000 in cash so that a supposed representative from the Federal Trade Commission could collect it.
The next day, prosecutors say Li met the victim at a location in Ventura and accepted the package.
Li then allegedly left the area with the cash. At the time, the victim reportedly believed he was following instructions intended to protect his money.
It was only later that he became suspicious and contacted law enforcement.
Scammers Allegedly Tried to Get Even More Money
Even after the initial $20,000 was taken, the alleged scammers did not stop. On Aug. 26, prosecutors say “Myers” contacted the victim again.
This time, however, the victim immediately notified authorities.
Ventura police detectives and investigators with the District Attorney’s Office then developed a plan to identify the person collecting the money.
Investigators arranged for Li to return to Ventura under the belief that he would be picking up another $20,000 from the same victim. The plan worked.
Li allegedly returned and accepted a package he believed contained the cash. Investigators then took him into custody shortly afterward.
Prosecutors Believe Li Was a Scam Courier
Investigators believe Li was acting as a courier for fraudsters operating outside Ventura County.
Authorities say these individuals target elderly residents through computer scams and use couriers to collect money after victims have been manipulated into believing their finances are at risk.
Li has been charged with felony counts including grand theft, theft from an elder or dependent adult, attempted grand theft and attempted theft from an elder or dependent adult.
He also faces two counts of conspiracy to commit a crime.
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Prosecutors have additionally alleged that the victim was particularly vulnerable and that the crimes involved planning, sophistication or professionalism.
Li pleaded not guilty to all charges during his Aug. 31 arraignment.
Suspect Remains in Custody as Officials Warn Seniors
Li remains in custody with bail set at $250,000. He is scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court Friday for a bail review hearing.
Meanwhile, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is warning residents, particularly seniors and their families, to be cautious when receiving unexpected computer warnings or calls claiming there is a problem with a bank account.
Officials say common warning signs include demands to act immediately, threats of arrest or financial loss, instructions to keep conversations secret and requests for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, gold, wire transfers or cash pickups.
Scammers may also tell victims not to contact their banks, relatives or police. Authorities are urging anyone who believes they were targeted by a similar scam to report it to law enforcement.
Have you or someone you know ever received a suspicious computer warning or phone call like this? Share your experience in the comments.
