A 55-year-old California man suspected of scamming a Whatcom County resident of more than $100,000 is being held in Whatcom County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bail. The case is believed to be part of a nationwide organized crime group targeting seniors, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO).
Xiaobin Zhou, 55, was booked into jail for first-degree theft on May 20 after the county resident reported being a victim of ongoing fraud to the WCSO five days earlier, on May 15.
The victim told WCSO detectives that the fraud began in mid-April when they received a call from someone claiming to be officer “Daniel Lucas” from the Federal Office of the Inspector General. “Lucas” said he was investigating money laundering and drug trafficking, and the victim needed to speak with his partner “David Freeman.”
“Freeman” contacted the victim and provided them with a photo of a fake badge and credentials. He told the victim they were a fraud victim and needed to deposit money from their bank account into a federal reserve in Seattle.
According to WCSO, the victim was told not to tell anyone about the money transfer, notify law enforcement, or research “Freeman” or “Lucas.” The victim was asked to contact “Freeman” twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, as well as answer his calls. “Agents” collected money or gold three times, each time a different person.
During the fourth collection, detectives observed Zhou pick up a package and quickly flee the scene. He was arrested with the support of several law enforcement agencies, including Skagit County Interlocal Drug Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
No identifying information about the victim was released.
The WCSO said Zhou is believed to be part of a group that has committed several million dollars in fraud using fake credentials to target seniors across the U.S.
WCSO public information officer Deb Slater wrote in a statement that law enforcement will never contact people to ask for money or valuables.
“Even if credentials appear authentic, verify any request by contacting the agency directly,” Slater wrote. “If you are told over the phone that you are facing federal charges, please reach out to your local law enforcement agency. Don’t fall victim to scams.”
Zhou will be formally charged during his arraignment at 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 30.
The WCSO asks that anyone who is a victim of this scam or knows someone else who is a victim to call the nonemergency tip line at 360/676-6911.
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