Police arrested a New York man accused of acting as a courier in a scam that allegedly convinced a Berkeley Township senior citizen to hand over large sums of cash and transfer money under the guise of protecting her finances.
A months-long fraud scheme targeting a Berkeley Township senior citizen led to the arrest of a New York man after detectives set up a controlled operation to intercept an alleged cash pickup, authorities said. The investigation began after the victim reported losing a substantial amount of money to individuals posing as Microsoft representatives and federal agents.
Key Points
• Berkeley police arrested a 54-year-old New York man during an alleged scam-related cash pickup
• A senior citizen reportedly handed over cash and completed a wire transfer after being deceived by fraudsters
• Detectives used surveillance and a controlled operation to identify and apprehend the suspect
According to the Berkeley Township Police Department, the victim reported that while using her home computer in April, a pop-up message appeared claiming to be a Microsoft error alert. The message displayed a phone number, and after calling it, she was told by a man claiming to be a Microsoft employee that her bank accounts had been compromised.
Over the following weeks, investigators said the victim was manipulated into believing she was communicating with government agents from the Federal Trade Commission who were attempting to safeguard her money.
Victim allegedly turned over cash and wired funds
Police said the victim handed over a large amount of U.S. currency to individuals involved in the scheme, including cash delivered to a courier she met locally. She also completed a separate wire transfer as part of the scam.
Even after realizing she had been defrauded, the scammers allegedly continued contacting her and claimed banks were corrupt, urging her to surrender her remaining funds for “safekeeping.”
During the investigation, Berkeley Township detectives canvassed the area where one of the exchanges occurred and obtained surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses.
Controlled operation leads to arrest
Investigators said the footage helped identify a suspect and vehicle connected to the earlier cash pickup. Detectives then arranged for the scammers to send another courier from New York to collect what they believed was the victim’s remaining money.
Authorities said the suspect arrived in a white BMW and drove past the victim’s home before heading to a pre-arranged meeting location. Detectives and patrol officers conducting surveillance took the suspect into custody without incident.
The suspect was identified as Ren Xin Huang, 54, of Flushing, New York.
Charges filed as investigation continues
Huang was charged with third-degree theft by deception, third-degree money laundering, conspiracy to commit third-degree theft by deception, and conspiracy to commit third-degree money laundering.
He was processed at Berkeley Township Police Headquarters and lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending court proceedings under New Jersey’s bail reform system.
Police said additional evidence was seized and remains under investigation. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
The Berkeley Township Police Department credited the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigations Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bluefield, West Virginia Police Department for assisting with the case.
Authorities reminded residents that legitimate banks, government agencies, and financial institutions will never ask customers to withdraw, transfer, or hand over money for “safekeeping.” Anyone receiving such requests is urged to contact their financial institution directly through official channels and report the incident to law enforcement immediately.
