Alleged Fraudster Busted After Resident Notices Scam, Calls Police

HUNTLEY, IL — A Huntley resident is being credited with helping police track down an alleged fraudster.

On Aug. 20, the resident received an email claiming a $499 subscription renewal had been charged to his PayPal account. When he called the number listed, the scammer convinced him to allow remote access to his computer and claimed to have “accidentally” refunded $25,000, according to a news release from the Huntley Police Department.

The scammer, who lives in Alhambra, California, then pressured the resident to withdraw the money in cash or send it through cryptocurrency, according to the news release.

After finding the situation suspicious, the resident ended the call and called the Huntley Police Department.

Police learned the “refund” was actually a transfer between the resident’s accounts. Patrol Officers worked with the resident that evening to ensure his safety while continuing to engage the scammer.

The next morning, detectives worked with the resident to arrange a meeting for a cash handoff. When the scammer, who was identified as Xu Li, 31, showed up to the home to collect the money, he was taken into custody.

He has been charged with attempted theft by deception - over $10,000 not exceeding $100,000 and attempted theft by deception - over $5,000 and victim over 60 years old.

Kevin Keane, deputy chief with the Huntley Police Department, said an investigation into the fraud is ongoing. But Li is not currently suspected in any other cases or of scamming others, he said.

Tips To Follow To Avoid Being Scammed

Scammers rely on fear, urgency and embarrassment to trick victims, and they often target the same person more than once, police said. Police are using residents to report suspicious activity in order to protect themselves and help police protect others.

Residents should follow the following information and tips — and also share the tips with others, especially seniors who often become the targets of scammers:

How These Scams Work

• Initial contact: Unsolicited email, text, or call about a fake charge or account issue
• Building urgency: Scammer pressures you to act immediately
• Remote access: Victim is tricked into giving access to their computer or device
• Fake refund: Scammer manipulates online banking to make it look like they “accidentally” sent too much money
• Repayment demand: Victim is told to return the difference, usually through cash, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers
• Isolation: Scammers will do anything to keep their potential victim from talking to someone else and breaking the scam, often through threats and fearmongering
• Unconventional means of identification: Instead of verifying authenticity through a badge, company ID, or official website, scammers will use code words or tokens to create a false sense of legitimacy.

Red Flags To Watch For

• Pressure to act quickly or threats of liability
• Refusing to end the call and not allowing the person to talk to anyone else until the money has been transferred
• Requests for remote access to your computer or smartphone
• Claims of overpayment and demands to “return” money
• Instructions to use cryptocurrency ATMs, gift cards, or cash couriers

What To Do

• Do not engage with unsolicited phone calls or messages
• Stop and think before taking action
• Verify independently: Contact the company using a verified phone number
• Check with someone you trust: A second opinion often exposes the scam
• Call law enforcement immediately: Acting quickly can prevent loss and may help police catch the suspects