Federal authorities have apprehended two individuals involved in elaborate online scams that preyed on elderly Rhode Island residents. Jirui Liu, 22, of Canada, and Kush J. Patel, 22, of Connecticut, have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering.
Liu allegedly participated in a scheme where a 79-year-old man was tricked into handing over $35,000 in cash and $130,000 worth of gold bars. The victim was falsely accused of purchasing child pornography and told his assets were being compromised.
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Patel is accused of being part of a scam that defrauded another Rhode Islander of nearly $200,000 through similar tactics involving fake virus warnings and threats of identity theft.
The victim was manipulated into purchasing gold bullion, which the scammers then picked up.
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Both cases involved sophisticated schemes where the victims were contacted through online pop-up messages and then coerced into handing over large sums of money or valuables under the guise of resolving fabricated legal issues.
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