CANTON (WWJ) - A man authorities call an “illegal foreign national from China” was arrested for reportedly scamming an elderly Canton resident.
The 84-year-old woman received a phone call from a man who said he was a “senior fraud officer” at her bank, a press release from the Canton Police Department said.
Authorities said the caller was able to convince the woman to withdraw “large sums of cash,” which was then allegedly given to his coworker, who would come to the woman’s home to pick up the money.
The scam was reportedly done twice over a four-day period. Family members of the woman noticed unusual bank activity and contacted police before a third attempt was made.
“On December 17, 2024, 30-year-old Li Biao, an illegal foreign national from China, arrived at the Canton residence and attempted to pick up $25,000 in cash from our 84-year-old victim,” the press release said. Biao was arrested by detectives that were at the residence.
“This is a tragic example of elder exploitation financial abuse, with the suspect(s) defrauding and stealing from the victim by taking advantage of her vulnerability due to age,” Canton Support Services Captain Joseph Bialy said. “We encourage family members, friends and caregivers of the elderly to watch out for warning signs that can include a sudden change in financial habits, missing funds, unexplained large withdrawals, new beneficiaries on accounts, or a new individual with excessive control over an elderly person’s finances—and report any findings to their local police department. In this case, family members contacted the police early enough to prevent additional funds being stolen from the victim.”
Biao was arraigned on one count of fraudulent false pretenses $20,000-$50,000, a 15-year-felony, and one count of assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer, a 2-year-felony.
His bond was set at $100,000 cash with a GPS tether.
Authorities didn't say whether Biao's "coworker" had been arrested or if they were facing any charges.