SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — A 33-year-old man from New York has been arrested by police in Springfield Township after a sting operation Monday in which authorities say he was “involved in a fraudulent scheme that preyed on elderly citizens.”
The situation dates back to November when Springfield police responded to a call from a senior citizen who fell victim to an "elaborate scam."
“The scheme was initiated with a deceptive pop-up message on the victim’s computer, seemingly from Microsoft,” according to a press release from police. “Believing the message to be genuine, the senior contacted a provided phone number seeking assistance.”
That’s when police say the fraudulent activity escalated into a banking-related scheme where the scammers posed as representatives of the Social Security Administration.
“A fake agent from the Social Security Administration manipulated the victim into urgently sending money to an undisclosed location, claiming it was necessary to protect her funds,” police said. “The elaborate ruse coerced the senior into making multiple cash withdrawals, which were handed over to supposed co-conspirators arriving at her doorstep.”
The victim contacted Springfield Township police to report the incident, which resulted in Monday’s sting operation where Junyi Yang was arrested “as he arrived to collect a cash delivery.”
Springfield police are using the incident as a reminder for senior citizens to remain vigilant and to contact law enforcement whenever they feel pressured to provide money.
“Scammers often exploit emotions and fabricate emergencies to coerce victims into hasty actions,” police said.
Anybody with information about this incident is asked to call Sgt. Brian Troyer at 330-784-1609 ext. 3170.
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