A resident of California faces charges linked to an attempted cryptocurrency fraud case in Texas. An elderly resident in New Braunfels reported receiving a dubious email regarding suspicious activity on a cryptocurrency account. The individual was apprehended upon arriving at the residence to collect a substantial amount of cash.
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – A man from California has been charged for his involvement in an attempted cryptocurrency scam aimed at an elderly homeowner in Texas.
According to the New Braunfels Police Department, this arrest is part of an ongoing inquiry into a fraudulent email scheme that specifically targets older individuals.
On March 6, officers were dispatched to a property on Lime Gruene Road following a report from an elderly homeowner who believed he was being scammed. The victim informed law enforcement that he had received an email indicating fraudulent activity on his cryptocurrency account. This correspondence included instructions to reverse the alleged fraudulent activity, which involved granting a third party remote access to his computer.
Furthermore, the scam required the victim to withdraw a significant sum of money for delivery to a courier. Realizing it was a scam before any funds were handed over, the homeowner promptly contacted the police.
The following day, March 7, authorities awaited the courier’s arrival to retrieve the cash and subsequently arrested 25-year-old Chaopeng Huang from San Lorenzo, California.
Huang was booked into the Comal County Jail and charged with:
– Exploitation of the Elderly
– Financial Abuse of the Elderly (amounting to $2,500 – $30,000)
– Possession of a Controlled Substance (Penalty Group 1/1-B, less than 1 gram)
His bond was set at a total of $25,000. Huang posted bail on March 9 and was released from custody.
Future Developments:
The New Braunfels Police Department indicated that their Criminal Investigation Division, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is continuing the investigation into this scam and others associated with it. Additional arrests and charges may be forthcoming.
How to Protect Yourself from Similar Scams:
Local authorities emphasize that while scammers frequently target senior citizens, they are not limited to this demographic. The New Braunfels Police Department aims to raise awareness about this scam to prevent further incidents.
If you or someone you know receives a similar email, authorities advise the following precautions:
– Do not disclose personal information.
– Avoid withdrawing money or purchasing gift cards.
– Report the incident by calling the non-emergency number at 830-221-4100.
Furthermore, the police remind residents that various email and phone scams exist, with criminals impersonating law enforcement officials, IRS agents, Publisher’s Clearinghouse representatives, student loan agents, or credit card debt counselors.
Preventative Measures:
Law enforcement also provides guidance to help individuals avoid falling victim to scams:
– Be cautious if you did not initiate the phone call.
– Exercise extreme caution when sharing personal information via phone or email.
– Reputable businesses and government entities will never request payments in cash or via gift cards or temporary credit cards.
– Be vigilant about allowing individuals into your home or onto your property without proper identification or marked vehicles, particularly if they arrive unannounced.
For further information on common fraud schemes and protective measures, consult resources available through the FBI.
