In late April, a 59-year-old woman from Prince George’s County received a text alert claiming her Apple ID had been compromised and used for unauthorized purchases. She called the phone number provided, believing she was speaking with a legitimate source, and was eventually transferred to someone pretending to be a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) agent.
Following instructions, she withdrew large sums of cash and handed them over to individuals posing as government officials. This elaborate deception resulted in the woman losing more than $85,000.
Two Arrested in $700K Scam Targeting Elderly, Authorities Stress Public Awareness Importance
Authorities have arrested Zheng Xie, 30, and Jianwei Wang, 27, in connection with the scam, which reportedly impacted multiple victims and generated around $700,000 in stolen funds. Police believe this was part of a broader financial fraud operation that preys on elderly and vulnerable community members. The suspects were indicted on several charges including theft, a theft scheme, and conspiracy to commit theft. Officials have identified at least two other victims so far and believe more may still come forward.
Maryland Woman Scammed Out of $85K in FTC Hoax as Elder Fraud Cases Climb SharplyPrince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson emphasized the emotional and psychological toll of such scams, not just the financial damage. She pointed out that these crimes erode trust and a victim’s sense of safety. Jackson stressed the importance of public education and awareness, highlighting the need for residents to recognize and report such fraudulent schemes promptly to prevent further victimization.
Impersonation Scams Surge, Exploiting Elderly With Sophisticated and Deceptive Communication Tactics
Impersonation scams are on the rise, particularly targeting the elderly. In Prince George’s County alone, 96 impersonation scams have resulted in $2.9 million in losses this year, with an average victim age of 69.
One of the most concerning aspects is the increasing sophistication of these scams, including email and text messages that appear to be from legitimate sources. Similar cases have been reported in the broader D.C. region, including a cryptocurrency scam involving a fake Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee.
Officials are urging the public to be cautious of unsolicited messages claiming to be from government agencies or financial institutions. Jackson advised residents to avoid responding to suspicious texts, refrain from sharing personal information or sending money, and instead contact the relevant institution directly.
She revealed that even she recently received a fraudulent text message. The overarching message is clear: awareness and verification are critical tools in combating these increasingly common scams.
