A Southern California man was arrested for targeting an elderly woman through phone scams, stealing about $30,000, and attempting to take more before she called the police.
The Chino Hills Police Department announced Tuesday that the suspect, 22-year-old Haoyang Song of Alhambra, was booked for grand theft, attempted grand larceny, conspiracy, elder abuse and theft by false pretenses. Police believe more suspects may have been involved.
According to the department’s release, either Song or an associate first contacted the victim by telephone on Tuesday, Feb. 25, claiming to work for the U.S. Treasury Department.
The scammer then demanded that the woman withdraw $30,000, police said, “because her money was not safe in her current bank account.”
The victim complied, took out the money from her bank and provided it to Song when he came to her home in the 15000 block of Pipeline Avenue.
A day later, the woman received another call, demanding more money.
Police said the victim then believed she was being scammed and filed a police report.
On Thursday, Feb. 27, deputies and detectives worked with the victim and arranged another $30,000 exchange with the suspect(s), claiming the money would be waiting for them in a shoebox.
Around 2:43 p.m. that same afternoon, police said investigators conducting surveillance saw Song arrive at the victim’s home.
When Song grabbed the shoebox, deputies immediately arrested him. He was booked at the West Valley Detention Center.
Police believe Song is a criminal associate of an organized crime group that targets people through phone scams.
“The investigation is continuing to identify other suspects involved in the conspiracy,” said the department in a release.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at 909-364-2000.
To remain anonymous, callers can contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
