A California woman is jailed in connection with defrauding a Midland County couple out of more than $100,000.
Yahui Zhu, 44, of West Covina, California, is lodged in the Midland County Jail on a $500,000 bond following her Jan. 16 arrest by Michigan State Police. Midland County District Court Magistrate Gerald Ladwig arraigned Zhu on false pretenses of $20,000 or more. She is set for a probable cause hearing at 1 p.m. Feb. 3 before Judge Michael Carpenter.
Michigan State Police Lt. Ashley Miller said troopers began investigating fraudulent gift cards, cryptocurrency and additional fraudulent scams that defrauded an 84-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman out of the money.
“During their investigation, troopers were able to intercept the suspected courier, Zhu, and prevent an in-person cash exchange,” Miller said. “In this situation, the scammers escalated their efforts by meeting the victims at their residence.
“We are seeing this type of fraudulent activity throughout the state,” the lieutenant said.
Zhu was arrested after the interception.
Miller was thankful that the troopers’ actions prevented further loss for the couple.
Miller said the Federal Trade Commission will never threaten you, tell you to transfer money to protect it, or instruct you to withdraw cash or buy gold and give it to someone. These are scams, and they can be reported to https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.
If you have questions about fraudulent activity, call any Michigan State Police post at 844-372-8356.