Chinese Students Indicted in $10 Million Elder Scam via Computer Pop-Ups

Federal Indictment Targets Fraudulent Scheme

On July 11, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the indictment of eight Chinese nationals on student visas for their alleged involvement in a widespread computer pop-up scam. This fraudulent operation specifically targeted elderly Americans, deceiving them with false claims about compromised computers or bank accounts. The defendants, identified as Yankun Jiang, Hanlin Yang, Chenhao Chen, Xiaoqing Tu, Dongjie Lu, Lei Bao, Kuo Zhang, and Jiacheng Zhang, are accused of orchestrating a scheme that defrauded over 50 victims across 19 states.

The scam, which reportedly began in August 2023 and continued until February 22, 2024, resulted in losses exceeding $10 million. The individuals, ranging in age from 22 to 35, were residing in various states including Pennsylvania, California, New York, New Jersey, and Florida while attending colleges in the United States. Two of the accused, Yankun Jiang and Hanlin Yang, were associated with Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania.

Details of the Deceptive Operation

The indictment details how the defendants used deceptive pop-up messages on victims' computers to trick them into believing their systems or financial accounts were at risk. These messages often prompted the elderly victims to contact fraudulent support services, leading to significant financial losses. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the vulnerability of the targeted demographic, noting the devastating impact on those who lost substantial sums of money.

Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus highlighted the severity of the crime, stating, 'The defendants orchestrated a wide-scale computer pop-up scam targeting elderly victims falsely claiming that their computer or bank accounts had been compromised.' This operation exploited trust and technological unfamiliarity among older Americans, causing not just financial harm but also emotional distress.

Legal Consequences and Public Safety Focus

The charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud carry significant penalties, reflecting the federal government’s commitment to protecting its citizens from such predatory schemes. Each defendant faces potential prison time and fines if convicted, sending a strong message about the consequences of exploiting vulnerable populations. The case is being prosecuted in federal court in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where the legal process will determine the outcome for these individuals.

This indictment underscores a broader effort to combat fraud targeting seniors, a demographic often less equipped to navigate digital threats. The Department of Justice remains vigilant in pursuing justice for victims, ensuring that those who abuse student visas or other entry mechanisms for criminal purposes are held accountable. As this case progresses, it serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal information and remaining cautious of unsolicited digital warnings.