Pennsylvania Charges Rye Resident with Criminal Conspiracy in Internet Scam
A Rye resident has been charged in an “anti-virus” online scam — requesting $15,000 from an elderly Lehigh County, Pennsylvania resident — that was interrupted by law enforcement agents. Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced a collaboration with Pennsylvania State Police that resulted in the arrest.
Qiang Li, of Rye, is charged with criminal conspiracy to corrupt organizations, computer trespass, and unlawful use of a computer, and theft charges in the Lehigh County case. Li is free on $50,000 bail.
State authorities in Pennsylvania say Li caused a pop-up to appear on the victim’s computer screen, purportedly from an anti-virus company. The defendant then took over the victim’s computer to obtain personal information and informed the victim they owed $15,000 regarding the “anti-virus” program. Undercover agents intervened in the exchange of cash, at a grocery store parking lot.
“Scams against older Pennsylvanians are particularly devastating because many victims are living on fixed incomes and their life savings,” Attorney General Henry said. “These alleged scammers acted with deliberate intent to defraud their victims of significant amounts of money without consideration of the resulting financial distress. My office encourages friends and family to discuss potential risks with their loved ones.”
Pennsylvania State Police filed charges in recent weeks.
“The Pennsylvania State Police works diligently with our law enforcement partners to protect older Pennsylvanians,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “We want scammers to know that our investigators will work diligently to bring them to justice, and these arrests are examples of that.”
Local Rye authorities were not involved in the investigation.
The cases will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Erik Olsen. The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General reminds people all charges are accusations and that the defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty.
