A 29-year-old Gaithersburg man has been arrested in connection with an alleged scheme that used gold bars to defraud elderly victims, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators identified the suspect as Junjie Wu, who has been charged with obtaining money by false pretenses, conspiracy to commit a felony, and wearing a mask in public. He is being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began after victims reported receiving pop-up messages on their computers claiming their devices had been compromised. The messages instructed them to call a phone number for what appeared to be “Apple Support.” Once connected, callers were allegedly transferred to individuals posing as fraud investigators, who claimed the victims’ investment accounts were at risk.
Victims were then told they needed to move their money into a new account with the Federal Reserve System. To do so, they were instructed to convert their savings into gold bars, which were then turned over as part of the scam, investigators said.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents that no government agency will ever ask someone to purchase gold, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to protect their money. Officials also warn that pop-up messages claiming a computer has been hacked are fraudulent and urge people not to call the listed number, click any links, or allow remote access to their devices.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a similar scam is encouraged to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office at (703) 777-1021. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Loudoun County Crime Solvers at (703) 777-1919 or through the LCSO app.
