Victim Lost Over $100K In Courier Scam, Man Arrested: Stamford Police

STAMFORD, CT — A New York City man was arrested recently and charged with second-degree larceny in connection with a "courier scam," according to police.

Qianlin Zheng, 28, of Flushing, Queens, is accused of traveling to Stamford and receiving a package he thought contained approximately $15,000 in cash, police said, noting an 82-year-old victim has lost over $100,000 to this courier scam.

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Zheng was held on a $100,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Sept. 9.

Police said in a news release that courier scams often begin with overseas criminals impersonating U.S. government officials, law enforcement, or financial investigators.

"They contact a victim by phone, text, or email and create a sense of urgency by claiming the victim's identity, bank account, or Social Security number has been tied to a crime or is at risk," police said. "The scammer then tells the victim they must 'protect' their money or cooperate with an investigation by withdrawing cash, purchasing gold or other valuables, and handing them to a courier who arrives in person."

The courier may appear professional and may even use a code word or provide false documentation to make the transaction seem legitimate, police said.

"In reality, legitimate U.S. government agencies will never send someone to your home to collect cash, gold, gift cards, or valuables," police said.

"If you have been scammed or are unsure whether a caller is truly a law enforcement officer or government official, politely explain that you will independently verify their identity before continuing the conversation," police added. "End the call and contact the agency using a phone number you locate through its official website or another trusted source—not a number provided by the caller."

Caller ID is not proof of identity and can be spoofed to display the name or number of a legitimate agency, according to police.

Those who believe they have been targeted are asked to contact Stamford police at 203-977-4444.