2 accused of trying to scam over $200K in gold bars from 85-year-old man in DC
2 accused of trying to scam over $200K in gold bars from 85-year-old man in DC WASHINGTON (7News) — Two men got locked up after police say they posed as federal agents and tried to scam an older man from D.C. into handing over nearly a quarter of a million dollars worth of gold bars. Chu Lin, 50, of Fresh Meadows, New York, and Xiean Cheng, 42, of Cornelius, North Carolina, are both facing charges of second-degree financial fraud, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Police said the plot started July 8 when the 85-year-old victim was contacted by email and phone by people claiming to be federal agents with the U.S. Government. The scammers allegedly told the man that money in his bank account was at risk and instructed him to protect it by buying gold bars and turning them over. SEE ALSO | Disturbing video shows masked rider punching WMATA bus driver in face Believing the claims were legit, the victim tried to buy more than $200,000 worth of gold. The gold dealer recognized the scam and alerted D.C. police and the FBI, authorities said. Investigators then waited for the suspects to show up at the victim's home to collect the gold. Police said Lin and Cheng were arrested as soon as they arrived. MPD's Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit and Violent Crime Suppression Division worked with the FBI on the investigation. Anyone with more information is asked to call police at 202-727-9099 or text a tip to 50411.
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