Details of the Incident
A man from Fremont has been charged in connection with a complex computer scam that targeted an elderly resident of Ventura County. This alarming case has raised concerns about the safety of vulnerable individuals in our community.
According to District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, Zi Li, aged 35, faces serious allegations including stealing $20,000 from the victim. The charges against him include one felony count each of grand theft and attempted theft from an elder or dependent adult, and two counts of conspiracy to commit a crime. Notably, the legal documents highlight that the victim’s particular vulnerability and the calculated nature of the crime indicate a level of sophistication in the operation.
The Deceptive Scheme
The elderly victim first became embroiled in this scam on August 4 when a pop-up message appeared on his computer, urging him to contact “Microsoft.” Following the instructions, he called the provided number, only to be connected to a series of unidentified individuals. Eventually, he spoke to a man claiming to be “Damian Myers,” who falsely accused him of a $25,000 charge related to child pornography from China.
Under pressure, the victim was instructed to withdraw $25,000. He complied and took out $20,000 from two local credit unions. Subsequently, he purchased $5,000 worth of gift cards and gathered the $20,000 in cash, which he handed over to the suspect the following day.
After growing suspicious, the victim reached out to authorities. Even after the initial encounter, Li, still pretending to be “Damian Myers,” continued to contact the victim to further the scheme. Law enforcement intercepted the situation on August 27, when Li believed he was to receive an additional $20,000. During this operation, he was apprehended.
Next Steps and Community Safety
While authorities have taken swift action, the identity and age of the victim remain confidential. This case serves as a critical reminder for everyone to be cautious of potential scams targeting the elderly.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a similar scam, it is essential to report it. Residents are encouraged to reach out to District Attorney Investigator Eric Hensen at 805-662-1750 for assistance.
