By SDCN Editor
Oceanside, CA–In a recent incident, the Oceanside Police Department in collaboration with the FBI Elder Justice Task Force, successfully apprehended a scammer involved in a “Pop-Up” computer scam targeting seniors in the area.
The scam, which typically involves a pop-up message on a computer screen instructing the victim to call a specific number due to a fake security threat, ensnared an elderly resident who was coerced into withdrawing $50,000 from their bank account and handing it over to a supposed “fixer.” The scammer contacted the victim again, attempting to extort an additional $40,000.
The Oceanside Police Department’s Property and Financial Crimes Unit and the FBI Elder Justice Task Force devised a plan and coordinated with the victim to have the courier or “Money Mule” return to a predetermined location and collect the money. The suspect was apprehended without incident and was identified as 44-year-old Chi Hung Duong from Monterey Park, California. Duong was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on a $200,000 bail.
This incident is a stark reminder of the prevalence of financial scams targeting vulnerable populations, particularly seniors. Authorities urge community members to be vigilant and educate their relatives and friends about these scams.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call demanding payment through prepaid credit cards or gift cards, or encounters a pop-up message on their computer claiming a security threat, is likely a scam. Similarly, if someone requests remote access to a computer claiming to fix a virus issue, or asks the victim to pay taxes on lottery winnings with gift cards, exercise caution and verify the request’s legitimacy.
These scammers often operate outside the country and may use local-looking phone numbers to deceive victims. It is essential to stay informed and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement agencies.
