Accused Scammer Enticed Seniors To Convert Funds Into Fake 'Gold Bar' Accounts: LCSO

ASHBURN, VA – The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Gaithersburg man in connection with a scheme to defraud seniors in Loudoun and Prince William counties by instructing them to move their savings into fake “gold bar” accounts.

According to a release by the LCSO on Tuesday, deputies opened an investigation after receiving reports that victims were being defrauded via bogus computer alerts. The LSCO says victims were sent fake messages on their computers that their devices had been compromised and they should call “Apple Support.” When they called the number provided, they were connected to individuals pretending to be fraud investigators, who told them their investment accounts were at risk and their funds needed to be transferred into the Federal Reserve System and converted into gold bars.

Junjie Wu, 29, of Gaithersburg, was arrested in connection with the scheme on June 23. He is charged with obtaining money by false pretenses, conspiracy to commit a felony and wearing a mask in public. He is being held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center without bond.

Wu is facing similar charges in Prince William County: obtaining money by false pretenses, conducting unlawful financial transactions and exploiting mental incapacity.

He has a hearing scheduled in Prince William County on July 6 and in Loudoun County on July 28.

The LCSO is issuing fraud protection advice in the wake of this investigation. They remind residents that government agencies will never direct anyone to buy gold or cryptocurrency, that no real agency will direct funds to be moved to a safe account, that pop-up warnings about compromised devices are fake and should be ignored and that urgency and secrecy are warning signs of a scam. If in doubt about a transaction, speak to a trusted friend or agency.

The LCSO asks anyone with information about this alleged scam or any others to call them \at (703) 777-1021. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Loudoun County Crime Solvers at (703) 777-1919 or submit a tip through the LCSO app.

See the full release here.