An 84-year-old man was allegedly manipulated into handing over cash as part of a scam that ended with two out-of-state suspects in custody.
Seaford, DE – Delaware State Police have arrested a New York couple accused of carrying out a courier scam that targeted an elderly Seaford resident, leading to felony theft charges, authorities announced.
Dongjun Zou, 51, and Wulian Fan, 47, were taken into custody following an investigation into the scheme, which began when an 84-year-old man reported he had been defrauded after encountering a computer pop-up that locked his device and prompted him to call for assistance.
According to investigators, after contacting the number, the victim was coerced into withdrawing a large sum of money and instructed to hand it over to a courier who arrived at his home the following morning.
Investigation leads to traffic stop and arrests
While troopers were speaking with the victim on March 25, the scammers allegedly contacted him again to arrange a second cash pickup. Detectives with the Sussex County Financial Crimes Unit and Special Investigations Unit then launched an operation that led to the identification of Zou and Fan as suspects.
Key Points
- Elderly victim targeted through computer pop-up scam in Seaford
- Suspects allegedly posed as couriers to collect large sums of cash
- New York couple arrested after police intercepted second pickup attempt
Authorities conducted a traffic stop on a Nissan SUV driven by Zou, taking both suspects into custody without incident. They were transported to State Police Troop 4 for processing.
Zou was charged with multiple felony offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and released on an $18,000 unsecured bond. Information regarding Fan’s charges and court status was not immediately detailed.
Officials warn of ongoing scam tactics
Police say the case highlights a growing trend of scams targeting older adults through deceptive tech support tactics and in-person cash pickups.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to examine the full scope of the scheme.