06/21/2025
FYI
SCAM ALERT AND ARREST!
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to remain vigilant after a community member was targeted in an elaborate financial scam earlier this week.
On June 18, 2025, deputies from the Northern Precinct of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to a report of an 87-year-old Bel Air widow who had fallen victim to a scam. The incident began with a pop-up message on the victim’s computer, falsely claiming that her device had been hacked and instructing her to call a provided phone number for assistance. After placing the call, the victim was manipulated by a scammer into believing her bank accounts had been compromised. Following instructions, the victim withdrew a substantial sum of cash, placed it into a package as directed, and handed it off to an individual who used a prearranged code word. The scammer coached her through each step of the process.
The investigation was assumed by detectives with the HCSO Criminal Investigations Division, who acted swiftly to prevent a second withdrawal. In collaboration with the victim’s bank, investigators monitored the communication and transaction between the victim and the scammers. With support from the HCSO Drone Unit, deputies executed a coordinated operation leading to the arrest of two Chinese Nationals who arrived to collect what they believed was a second package containing the demanded funds.
The suspects, Chongsong Chen, 48, and Wei Hua Wang, 71, both of New York, were taken into custody and formally charged in connection with the fraud scheme. During the arrest, detectives recovered a quantity of United States currency and multiple cellphones believed to be linked to the operation. The investigation remains active as additional leads are being pursued.
This case is part of a growing trend of financial scams that target older adults—many of which exploit trust, urgency, or fear. Common scams include:
1. Tech Support Scam – A pop-up or caller claims the victim’s computer has a virus. They request remote access or payment for fake repairs.
2. Grandparent Scam – A caller pretends to be a grandchild in distress, urgently needing money for bail, medical bills, or travel. They often beg the victim not to tell anyone.
3. Government Impersonation Scam – Scammers pose as IRS, Social Security, or Medicare officials, claiming the victim owes money or must verify personal information.
4. Romance Scam – Fraudsters build online relationships with seniors, then fabricate emergencies to request money.
5. Investment Fraud – Scammers pitch fake investment opportunities, often promising high returns with little risk.
6. AI-Powered Voice Cloning – A newer and deeply concerning scam where fraudsters use artificial intelligence to mimic a loved one’s voice, making pleas for help sound convincingly real.
7. Jury Duty Scam – A long-running scheme where scammers falsely claim you missed jury duty and now face arrest—using urgency and intimidation to pressure you into acting.
These scams are significantly underreported, often due to shame or fear of losing independence. Raising awareness and encouraging open, judgment-free conversations can help prevent future incidents.
Residents are reminded: Never send money or provide personal information to unknown individuals over the phone or online. Do not respond to unsolicited pop-up messages or phone calls claiming your computer or bank accounts are compromised and never withdraw or transfer money based on instructions from an unknown caller. Requests for payment in the form of Bitcoin, Green Dot cards, or other prepaid cards are also strong indicators of a scam. Always verify with a trusted source before taking any action—such as contacting your bank directly or taking your computer to a reputable repair facility.
