UPPER CHICHESTER, PA — A 35-year-old man faces multiple charges after an alleged scam involving impersonations of Microsoft, Citizens Bank and the FBI nearly cost an Upper Chichester resident $40,000, according to township police.
Officers responded Aug. 13 to a reported fraud involving a resident on Brentwood Road. Investigators reported that the victim was instructed to withdraw $40,000 and leave the money outside for pickup.
According to police, the victim was threatened with arrest for money laundering if the instructions were not followed. The victim became suspicious and contacted authorities before surrendering any money.
Police subsequently arrested Jian Jian Yu, 35, in connection with the alleged scheme.
Yu faces charges of criminal conspiracy, financial exploitation of an older adult, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, criminal use of a communication facility and access device fraud, according to police.
Authorities cautioned that legitimate banks, government agencies, and technology companies do not instruct people to withdraw cash and leave it for pickup. Anyone receiving a similar demand should hang up and contact police immediately.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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