PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — Two men were arrested for their alleged involvement in a scheme that conned Prince George’s County residents out of tens of thousands of dollars. Now, police are trying to identify additional victims.
The Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) stated that officers arrested 30-year-old Zheng Xie of Flushing, N.Y., and 27-year-old Jianwei Wang of Monterey Park, Calif., following an investigation opened in May.
A woman said she received a call on April 28 from an unknown number warning her of fraudulent activity on her Apple ID. The caller, who was impersonating a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) agent, convinced her that several of her accounts were compromised.
She was told to take cash from her bank in order to secure her money.
On two occasions, she reportedly handed over tens of thousands of dollars to the imposter FTC representatives, who came to her home.
Following an investigation, PGPD said detectives arrested Xie and Wang on May 23.
They were charged with conspiracy to commit theft scheme and related charges.
PGPD said two other victims were linked to the suspects. In all, the three have lost $700,000.
Detectives believe other residents in the county may have been victimized. They urge additional residents to come forward. PGPD detectives can be reached at 301-516-1464.
Police reminded residents to never give money, gold, gift cards or anything else of value to someone they do not know — even if they pose as representatives from legitimate organizations, such as businesses, banks or government agencies.
