An elderly California man lost $20,000 after a computer pop-up told him to call “Microsoft,” beginning a scam that prosecutors say escalated into claims that his money had been connected to the purchase of underage pornography in China.
Ze Li, 35, of Fremont, is now charged in connection with the scheme. Ventura County prosecutors allege Li acted as a courier who collected cash after other people convinced the victim that he needed to move money to protect his finances.
The victim was told that a fraudulent $25,000 transaction had been made through his Ventura County Credit Union account. He responded by withdrawing $20,000 in cash from two branches and purchasing another $5,000 in gift cards.
Prosecutors say Li collected the $20,000 package on Aug. 5. Weeks later, investigators arrested him when he allegedly returned to Ventura believing the same victim was about to hand over another $20,000.
A Computer Pop-Up Told Him to Call “Microsoft”
The scheme began Aug. 4 when a message appeared on the victim’s computer instructing him to contact “Microsoft,” according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. After calling the number, the victim was transferred among several unidentified people before speaking with someone who called himself “Damian Myers.”
Myers claimed that someone had attempted to make a $25,000 purchase using money from the victim’s credit union account. Prosecutors say the supposed transaction involved pornography from China.
Although the story was false, Myers allegedly told the victim that the transaction had been stopped and instructed him to withdraw $25,000 to protect the rest of his money.
He Withdrew $20,000 and Bought $5,000 in Gift Cards
The victim followed the instructions by visiting two credit union branches and withdrawing a combined $20,000 in cash. He also purchased $5,000 worth of gift cards.
Myers allegedly instructed the victim to package that cash and said a “Federal Trade Commission representative” would collect it. On Aug. 5, prosecutors say Li met the victim at a location in Ventura, accepted the package containing $20,000 and left the area.
The Victim Reported the Scam, but the Calls Continued
After the first handoff, the victim became suspicious and contacted law enforcement. The people behind the scheme did not immediately stop communicating with him. Prosecutors say Myers continued contacting the victim during the following weeks.
On Aug. 26, another call came from Myers. This time, the victim notified law enforcement immediately. That allowed investigators to use the continued contact to arrange another supposed cash pickup while making the people behind the scheme believe the victim was still cooperating.
Investigators Set Up a Second $20,000 Pickup
On Aug. 27, detectives with the Ventura Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit, assisted by investigators from the District Attorney’s Office, conducted an operation designed around another purported handoff.
Prosecutors say Li returned to Ventura believing he was there to collect another $20,000 from the victim. Li allegedly met with the victim and accepted a package he believed contained the cash. Investigators arrested him shortly afterward.
Authorities believe Li acted as a courier collecting stolen funds for fraudsters operating outside Ventura County who target older residents through computer-based scams.
Li Pleaded Not Guilty to Six Felony Counts
Li faces one felony count each of grand theft, theft from an elder or dependent adult, attempted grand theft and attempted theft from an elder or dependent adult, along with two felony counts of conspiracy to commit a crime.
Prosecutors also filed special allegations that the victim was particularly vulnerable and that the manner in which the alleged crimes were carried out demonstrated planning, sophistication or professionalism.
Li pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned Aug. 31. He remains in custody in lieu of $250,000 bail and is scheduled for a bail review hearing Sept. 4, according to KTVU.
A Security Pop-Up That Gives You a Phone Number Is a Scam Warning
The Federal Trade Commission says legitimate security pop-ups will not instruct consumers to call a telephone number for assistance. Anyone who encounters an unexpected warning claiming to come from Microsoft, Apple or another technology company should avoid calling the number displayed in the message. If there is concern about an actual computer problem, contact the company independently through its official website or use a trusted technical-support provider.
The payment instructions provide another clear warning. The FTC says government officials will not tell someone to withdraw cash or move money to “protect” it, and legitimate government agencies do not demand payment through gift cards. Consumers should also stop when a caller turns an alleged computer problem into a story involving criminal activity, compromised bank accounts or threats to their savings. Do not follow instructions to move money while remaining on the phone with the caller.
If cash has already been withdrawn but has not yet been handed over, contact local law enforcement before meeting a supposed courier. If gift cards were purchased, keep the cards and receipts and contact the card issuer immediately if the numbers or PINs were disclosed. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office encourages people who believe they encountered a similar scheme to report it to police or District Attorney Investigator Eric Jensen at 805-662-1750.