State College police are investigating an alleged fraud ring in Centre County after an older couple was reportedly scammed out of more than $200,000. Alleged scam targeting the coupleInvestigators allege that a 24-year-old man from Florida, along with two unnamed individuals, targeted the couple by claiming their computer had been infected with a virus. Police say the alleged scammers falsely claimed to represent Microsoft, the couple’s bank, and the United States Department of Treasury. How the scheme workedThe scammers reportedly instructed the couple to transfer money to them, claiming their accounts had been compromised and flagged for illegal activity. Before suspicions were raised and police were contacted, investigators say the couple spent weeks communicating with the individuals and ultimately lost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Arrest and public warningOnce police and federal agents became involved, they coordinated a sting operation that led to the arrest of 24-year-old Kevin Gan, who is now jailed in Florida. Authorities emphasize that when someone tells you to transfer your money to protect it, it is always a scam. Bankers, law enforcement, and financial advisors will never instruct you to convert your money to gold or Bitcoin for safekeeping. Police encourage the public to share information about this scam with friends, family, and neighbors, as such schemes continue to grow.
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. —
State College police are investigating an alleged fraud ring in Centre County after an older couple was reportedly scammed out of more than $200,000.
Alleged scam targeting the couple
Investigators allege that a 24-year-old man from Florida, along with two unnamed individuals, targeted the couple by claiming their computer had been infected with a virus.
Police say the alleged scammers falsely claimed to represent Microsoft, the couple’s bank, and the United States Department of Treasury.
How the scheme worked
The scammers reportedly instructed the couple to transfer money to them, claiming their accounts had been compromised and flagged for illegal activity.
Before suspicions were raised and police were contacted, investigators say the couple spent weeks communicating with the individuals and ultimately lost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Arrest and public warning
Once police and federal agents became involved, they coordinated a sting operation that led to the arrest of 24-year-old Kevin Gan, who is now jailed in Florida.
Authorities emphasize that when someone tells you to transfer your money to protect it, it is always a scam. Bankers, law enforcement, and financial advisors will never instruct you to convert your money to gold or Bitcoin for safekeeping.
Police encourage the public to share information about this scam with friends, family, and neighbors, as such schemes continue to grow.