A man accused of hiding behind his computer to operate a lucrative internet pop-up scam targeting elderly residents is now behind bars after a multi-state investigation led to his capture, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday.
Weikai Zhang, 43, was apprehended in New York following extensive detective work by the Martin County Sheriff’s criminal investigations detectives in collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. Authorities allege Zhang is part of a larger national criminal organization that preys on seniors, using deceptive internet pop-ups to swindle them out of their life savings.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Zhang fled Florida for New York, hoping to evade capture after allegedly stealing more than $50,000 from a senior citizen in Martin County. Investigators believe that during his time operating in Florida, Zhang orchestrated thefts totaling approximately $613,000 from several victims, including the Palm City resident.
The scam typically involves fake security warnings or technical support messages popping up on victims’ computers, tricking them into believing their device is compromised and convincing them to pay for unnecessary services or grant remote access to scammers.
“He never wanted you to see his face, so he hid behind a keyboard,” the Sheriff’s Office stated, emphasizing the deceptive nature of the crime. “Through exceptional detective work, we located him.”
He has been arrested and faces serious charges in Florida, including Organized Scheme to Defraud, Exploitation of a Person 65 Years or Older, and Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft. His bond has been set at $700,000.
Authorities urge the public, especially seniors and their families, to be wary of unsolicited pop-up messages on computers demanding payment or requesting remote access.
If you encounter such a scam, do not click on links, call the numbers provided, or give out personal information. Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
