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North Shore police arrest alleged computer scammer at victim’s home
The victim had not yet paid the alleged scammer who had requested $15,000.
A 35-year-old Revere man was arrested for allegedly trying to scam someone out of $15,000.
Around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Essex police received a report from a family member of an Essex resident who said they had been told both over the internet and by phone to pay $15,000 to fix a virus on their computer.
The resident was prepared to pay the sum in cash, but the family member stepped in before the scammer was paid, police said.
Essex police arrived at the resident’s home to intercept the alleged courier there to collect the cash.
After determining no reason for the suspect to be at the resident’s home, Yi Peng Lou, 35, was arrested and charged with attempt to commit a crime (larceny over $1,200), according to police. He is set to appear in Gloucester District Court on Thursday.
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Police believe that Lou was not working alone in this “well-known [and] common computer technical support scam.”
“If we catch you trying to scam our residents, you will be arrested,” said Essex Police Chief Thomas Shamshak. “These types of scams are increasingly common in Essex and across the Commonwealth, and I hope this arrest sends the message that we will not stand idly by and let our residents be victimized.”
To prevent further scams, the Essex Police Department reminded residents to understand that scammers may say they are with a known organization, there is a problem or a prize, and ask for immediate action and specific payment types. The department also warned residents from clicking links sent to them via text or email and instead using a trustworthy website to contact the organization.
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Anyone who may have fallen victim to a scam or may be communicating with would-be scammers should contact the Essex Police Department at 978-768-6628.
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