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local12.com
· 2025-12-08
During the 2024 holiday shopping season, cybersecurity experts warn that criminals are increasingly targeting shoppers through text message scams, fake websites created with AI, and shipping delivery fraud as consumers spend a record-breaking average of $902 per person. Experts recommend verifying packages directly through retailer websites rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages, using credit cards instead of debit cards, and visiting official company websites directly to confirm deals rather than clicking promotional links in emails or social media.
thegoan.net
· 2025-12-08
Senior advocate Carlos Ferreira identified systemic vulnerabilities enabling fraud in Goa, including land scams stemming from poor property record integration between Portuguese and Indian registration systems, cash-for-jobs schemes exploiting government hiring delays, and financial frauds involving both outright deception and institutional mismanagement. He proposed solutions including establishing unified public property registries, implementing timely government hiring practices, strengthening financial institution oversight, and protecting whistleblowers to combat these escalating fraud schemes.
baytoday.ca
· 2025-12-08
Grandparent or emergency scams exploit seniors' emotions by having fraudsters impersonate distressed family members, police officers, or acquaintances claiming a loved one needs immediate financial help due to accidents, jail, or other emergencies. The scammers gather personal information, demand secrecy, and pressure victims into sending cash or cryptocurrency. The Ontario Provincial Police recommend hanging up and independently verifying stories, questioning callers for details, being truthful with bank tellers about large withdrawals, and reporting suspected scams to local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
news9live.com
· 2025-12-08
A 26-year-old woman in Mumbai was scammed of Rs 1.7 lakh by fraudsters impersonating Delhi Police officers who falsely claimed she was involved in a money laundering investigation and threatened her with "digital arrest." The scammers forced her to strip on a video call and demanded bank transfers before she realized the deception and reported the incident to authorities. Police have registered a case and are investigating, while noting this is part of a growing trend of digital arrest fraud targeting both elderly and younger adults.
thebridgechronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
A Wagholi resident in Pune lost ₹27.46 lakh to cybercriminals who contacted him on November 4 promising work-from-home earnings, initially paying small amounts to build trust before requesting investments for higher returns. After the victim transferred the full amount, the fraudsters disappeared and their contact numbers were disconnected; a case was filed under the Information Technology Act and is under investigation by local police.
dhs.gov
· 2025-12-08
Two Nigerian nationals operating from the Chicago suburbs, Anthony Emeka Ibekie and Samuel Anukwu, were convicted and sentenced to 20 and 10 years in federal prison respectively for conducting inheritance scams, romance scams, and business email compromise fraud that defrauded victims of at least $3.5 million. The pair used aliases to communicate with victims across the United States, convincing them of inheritances or building false romantic relationships to manipulate them into sending money to predetermined recipients. A third co-defendant, U.S. citizen Jennifer Gosha, pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges in connection with the scheme and awaited sentencing.
rocklanddaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Clarkstown Parks & Recreation is hosting a Senior Scam Prevention Seminar on December 13, 2024, to educate seniors about common fraud schemes including the Grandparents Scam, IRS Scam, and Funeral Scams. The event, led by town officials and police, will provide practical tips for identifying and avoiding these fraudulent schemes, with pre-registration required due to limited space.
westsidespirit.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal, state, and local authorities warn that scams targeting seniors are rising, particularly during the holiday season, with common schemes including charity fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, tech support scams, and government impersonation scams. Authorities advise seniors to avoid phishing emails, use secure networks for online purchases, verify websites and charities before donating, and be cautious of unsolicited offers. Victims can report suspected fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov), their state attorney general, or local law enforcement.
mercurynews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 19-year-old California teenager, Remington Ogletree, was arrested and charged with wire fraud in October 2024 for alleged crimes committed between October 2023 and May 2024, and is suspected of being a member of the notorious cybercrime group Scattered Spider, which specializes in phishing and social engineering attacks on major corporations. Ogletree, an expert in phishing techniques, was released on $50,000 bail with strict conditions including surrendering his devices and being barred from registering domain names or using messaging apps. This arrest is part of broader law enforcement efforts against Scattered Spider, a loosely organized group of young men from the US
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
David Cornejo Fernandez, a 36-year-old Lima resident, was extradited to the United States and faces federal wire fraud, extortion, and conspiracy charges for facilitating prize scams operated by Peruvian call centers from 2012-2019. The scheme targeted Spanish-speaking U.S. consumers by falsely promising prizes like tablets, then threatening victims with arrest, court proceedings, or immigration consequences to extort large payments, with Cornejo providing the technology including caller-ID spoofing, phone lines, and recordings impersonating government agencies to enhance the scams' legitimacy.
americanbanker.com
· 2025-12-08
Ian Mitchell, founder of The Knoble—a network of over 7,000 members across 600+ financial institutions dedicated to combating human trafficking, child exploitation, and elder financial exploitation—discusses his organization's mission to fight human crimes alongside law enforcement and banks. Mitchell co-founded Mission Omega, a fraud consulting firm that donates 10% of gross revenue to The Knoble while helping financial institutions address fraud vulnerabilities. Mitchell transitioned into this work after his banking career, inspired by learning that human trafficking is a financially motivated crime, and now combines his expertise with creative pursuits, including releasing purpose-driven music on Spotify.
ministrywatch.com
· 2025-12-08
Two years ago, pastor Tilo David Lopez, age 55, was arrested by the Arvada Police Department following a 14-month investigation for elder fraud, having used his contracting company, Remodeling Specialists LLC, to defraud seniors of approximately $250,000. The investigation was initiated after a complaint alleged Lopez and his company committed elder fraud through their contracting operations.
cambridgema.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Cambridge Police Department warns of multiple holiday-themed scams targeting shoppers and donors, including fake websites offering unrealistic discounts, puppy scams (80% of sponsored pet ads may be fraudulent), gift card schemes where criminals tamper with cards or request codes, phishing emails impersonating legitimate companies, and grandparent scams targeting elders through impersonation demanding payment via gift cards or wire transfers. The advisory recommends conducting reverse image searches before pet purchases, avoiding suspicious links and emails with grammar/spelling errors, purchasing gift cards from counters rather than kiosks, and verifying unexpected delivery or emergency requests directly with known contacts.
smdailyjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI San Francisco office warned that criminals are exploiting the holiday season through multiple fraud schemes including fraudulent online shopping websites and puppy scams (with $5.6 million in losses reported year-to-date), fake charities soliciting donations, cryptocurrency investment fraud, gift card scams, and social media schemes offering fake gift cards or event tickets. The FBI advises consumers to remain vigilant when shopping online, donating to charities, and engaging on social media during the holiday season.
interpol.int
· 2025-12-08
INTERPOL launched the "Think Twice" awareness campaign to combat five rising cyber and financial threats: ransomware attacks (up 70%), malware attacks (up 30%), phishing, generative AI scams, and romance baiting scams. The two-week campaign running December 3-19 emphasizes vigilance through social media, urging individuals to verify identities, pause before clicking suspicious links, and avoid online relationships involving money requests. The campaign is supported by funding from the UK and Japan to strengthen cybersecurity awareness globally.
japantimes.co.jp
· 2025-12-08
**Scam Type:** Romance scam with drug trafficking component
**What Happened:** A 58-year-old Australian woman was deceived by a man posing as a Nigerian fashion business owner whom she met online; he manipulated her into unknowingly smuggling 2 kilograms of methamphetamine into Japan by exploiting her romantic feelings for him. She now faces trial in Japan's Chiba District Court, where prosecutors are seeking 10 years imprisonment and a ¥3 million ($20,000) fine, though her defense argues she is a victim rather than a guilty smuggler.
saultthisweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Sault Ste. Marie Police Service warned of a surge in "grandparent scams" targeting local seniors, in which fraudsters impersonate grandchildren or their lawyers and demand $5,000-$10,000 under the pretense of emergency bail or legal fees, arranging courier pickup of cash. The scammers exploit urgency and spoof caller ID to appear legitimate, but police advise victims to hang up, verify stories with personal questions, contact family independently, and never share money or information without confirming details through trusted contacts.
columbiabasinherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Local and federal authorities warn that scam attempts increase during the holiday season, with criminals using text messages, phone calls, and emails to target victims through blackmail, charity fraud, debt collection schemes, grandparent scams, and other deceptive tactics. Common red flags include unsolicited contact using fear or emotional manipulation to pressure victims into sending money via untraceable methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency. Authorities recommend verifying the legitimacy of charities through trusted resources, being skeptical of unsolicited requests, and hanging up if something sounds suspicious rather than providing personal or financial information.
finextra.com
· 2025-12-08
Multiple U.S. financial regulators issued a joint statement highlighting that approximately $27 billion in suspicious activity reported to FinCEN over one year (ending June 2023) was linked to elder financial exploitation. The statement emphasizes that financial institutions must implement risk management practices including employee training, transaction monitoring, suspicious activity reporting, and coordination with law enforcement to protect vulnerable older adults from losing their life savings and financial security. Recommended protective measures include establishing trusted contact designations, using transaction holds when appropriate, and increasing consumer awareness through outreach.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal financial regulatory agencies released guidance recommending that banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions implement risk management practices to combat elder financial exploitation, which cost older adults over $27 billion in suspicious activity during a 12-month period ending June 2023. The recommended practices include employee training, transaction monitoring, establishing trusted contact processes, and timely reporting to FinCEN. The guidance comes as elder fraud complaints increased 14% in 2023 with associated losses rising 11%, driven partly by increased online banking among seniors and baby boomers.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Victor Anthony Valdez, a 40-year-old New York man and Social Security Administration employee, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for serving as a courier in a transnational "grandparent scam" operated from Dominican Republic call centers between August 2020 and August 2021. The scheme targeted elderly American victims by falsely claiming their grandchildren had been arrested and needed bail money, with Valdez and other couriers collecting tens of thousands of dollars from victims' homes in New York and New Jersey. Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine at his April 2025 sentencing.
fdic.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Title:** Agencies Issue Interagency Statement on Elder Financial Exploitation
**Summary:**
Seven federal financial regulatory agencies (FRB, CFPB, FDIC, NCUA, OCC, FinCEN, and state regulators) issued a joint statement providing supervised financial institutions with best practices for identifying, preventing, and responding to elder financial exploitation—the illegal or improper use of older adults' funds by unauthorized recipients. The statement recommends strategies including enhanced risk-based monitoring, employee training, designated trusted contacts, transaction holds when appropriate, and coordination with Adult Protective Services and law enforcement, without imposing new regulatory requirements.
ncua.gov
· 2025-12-08
On December 4, 2024, five federal financial regulatory agencies, FinCEN, and state regulators issued guidance to financial institutions on combatting elder financial exploitation, which a FinCEN analysis found was linked to approximately $27 billion in reported suspicious activity over a one-year period ending June 2023. The statement recommends practices such as staff training on recognizing exploitation, establishing trusted contact processes, implementing transaction holds, and timely reporting to law enforcement and Adult Protective Services to help identify and prevent financial crimes against older adults.
fincen.gov
· 2025-12-08
FinCEN and five federal financial regulatory agencies, along with state regulators, issued guidance to financial institutions on best practices for identifying and preventing elder financial exploitation. A FinCEN analysis found that approximately $27 billion in suspicious activity was linked to elder financial exploitation over a one-year period ending in June 2023, highlighting the significant financial harm older adults face from such schemes.
fdic.gov
· 2025-12-08
Five federal financial regulatory agencies and FinCEN issued guidance to help financial institutions combat elder financial exploitation, which a FinCEN analysis found was linked to approximately $27 billion in reported suspicious activity over a one-year period ending in June 2023. The statement recommends practices including employee training, transaction monitoring, trusted contact designations, timely reporting to authorities, and consumer outreach to help identify and prevent exploitation that can devastate older adults' financial security.
consumerfinance.gov
· 2025-12-08
Five federal financial regulatory agencies and FinCEN issued guidance to help supervised financial institutions combat elder financial exploitation, noting that older adults can lose their life savings through these crimes. A FinCEN analysis identified approximately $27 billion in suspicious activity linked to elder financial exploitation over a one-year period ending in June 2023. The statement recommends practices including employee training on recognizing exploitation, establishing trusted contact designations, filing timely suspicious activity reports, and coordinating with law enforcement and elder protection services.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
The IRS warned taxpayers on December 4, 2024, about fraudulent "Charitable LLCs" schemes that target high-income filers by encouraging them to transfer assets to limited liability companies, donate majority nonvoting units to charities while retaining control, and falsely claim large charitable deductions. Participants in these abusive schemes face assessment of correct taxes owed plus penalties, interest, and potential criminal prosecution, with the IRS currently conducting audits and investigations that have resulted in multiple criminal convictions of promoters and donors. Taxpayers are advised to avoid any scheme promising personal benefits or control over donated assets, as valid charitable contributions require complete relinquishment of control to the
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns that criminals are increasingly using generative AI tools to create highly realistic fraudulent content—including deepfake videos, AI-generated profiles, and voice cloning—to perpetrate romance scams, investment fraud, job hiring schemes, and extortion at greater scale and with higher credibility. Common tactics include impersonating authority figures, creating fake charity solicitations, and generating convincing promotional materials for cryptocurrency schemes. The FBI recommends establishing identity verification codes with family members, scrutinizing images and videos for imperfections, independently verifying callers, limiting personal information shared online, and reporting suspected fraud to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
americanbanker.com
· 2025-12-08
Six federal banking agencies issued guidance to banks and credit unions outlining nine strategies to identify, prevent, and respond to elder financial exploitation, including establishing trusted contact procedures, implementing transaction holds, and reporting suspected fraud to law enforcement and adult protective services. Elder financial exploitation comprises elder scams (approximately 80% of cases), where elderly persons are tricked into transferring money to strangers, and elder theft (20% of cases), involving theft by trusted individuals. The guidance represents the latest federal regulatory effort to combat elder financial exploitation, a concern that has attracted interagency attention for over a decade.
gilavalleycentral.net
· 2025-12-08
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes addressed seniors in Safford about the rising scam epidemic affecting older adults, noting that Arizona had the nation's highest senior fraud victimization rate at 289 per 100,000 population in 2023. She warned about emerging threats including cryptocurrency scams, romance scams on social media, and AI voice-cloning schemes that impersonate family members to solicit money, recommending families establish secret passwords and watch for warning signs like unexplained financial secrecy, unusual withdrawals, and changed spending patterns. The Attorney General's Office can be reached at 602-542-5763 to report suspected fraud.
koat.com
· 2025-12-08
Four caregivers in New Mexico were criminally charged with elder and resident abuse within a year after multiple complaints were filed with the state Department of Justice's Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse Division. The cases involved physical and verbal abuse of vulnerable victims—including a 7-year-old autistic student, disabled waiver recipients, and elderly nursing home residents—who lacked the capacity to report the abuse themselves; notably, Salomon Sanchez, who pleaded guilty to abusing a student in 2023, was subsequently hired at a disability group home where he allegedly assaulted a wheelchair-bound resident. All four defendants face potential sentences of up to 6 months in prison if convicte
thecyberexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned that criminals are increasingly using generative AI tools to create highly convincing fraudulent content—including fake social media profiles, websites, audio recordings, and deepfake videos—making scams more believable and scalable across larger victim populations. AI-generated text, images, voice cloning, and videos are being weaponized in romance scams, investment fraud, job hiring schemes, extortion, and identity theft, with criminals exploiting the technology's ability to produce realistic-seeming content that overcomes traditional fraud detection signs. The sophisticated nature of AI-generated content makes it increasingly challenging for individuals and businesses to identify fraudulent schemes before becoming victims.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
Bashiru Ganiyu, 39, of the Bronx, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for operating romance scams targeting primarily elderly victims from 2020 to 2022 as part of a Ghana-based criminal enterprise; he defrauded over 40 victims of nearly $12 million and was ordered to forfeit $11.7 million and pay $7.6 million in restitution. Ganiyu used fraudulent online personas to gain victims' trust before convincing them to wire money to bank accounts he controlled, then funneled the stolen funds to co-conspirators domestically and abroad.
hawaiinewsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides seven tips for protecting against holiday season scams and identity theft, including practicing caution with online shopping, avoiding phony delivery scams (particularly those impersonating the USPS), using strong password security practices, checking for card-skimming devices at ATMs and payment terminals, verifying charity legitimacy, being skeptical of unsolicited contacts, and monitoring financial accounts. The article notes that online shopping scams affected 82% of victims with financial losses in 2023, and that card skimming costs consumers and financial institutions over $1 billion annually.
kfyrtv.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides seven tips for protecting against holiday scams and identity theft during the busy shopping season. Key advice includes practicing caution with online marketplaces and using traceable payment methods, avoiding fake delivery notification scams (particularly impersonating USPS), safeguarding passwords with unique credentials and multifactor authentication, and checking for card-skimming devices at ATMs and payment terminals. The article emphasizes that online shopping scams affected 82% of targeted victims in 2023, and card skimming costs over $1 billion annually, making holiday vigilance essential.
daily-tribune.com
· 2025-12-08
Chatsworth Police Chief Josh Etheridge warned residents of an uptick in international scams targeting elderly victims through robocalls and fraudulent emails, noting that once victims purchase gift cards and provide the card numbers, the money cannot be recovered. The scammers often impersonate government agencies or trusted organizations to pressure victims into immediate payment, exploiting the elderly population who are viewed as trusting and less aware of modern fraud tactics. Police urge residents to report suspected scams and provided warning signs including requests to pay via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, as well as pressure to act immediately without verification.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Delaware County, Pennsylvania is hosting "Scam Jam," a free educational event on Friday at the Springfield YMCA designed to help seniors identify and avoid common fraud schemes. The event features representatives from the Delaware County District Attorney's Office, Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, and local police who will provide information and tips to help seniors protect themselves from becoming victims.
13wmaz.com
· 2025-12-08
A Chinese national, Xiao Kun Cheung, was arrested and charged for his role in a scam that defrauded elderly people across the U.S. of $1.2 million through fake pop-ups and phone calls claiming computer or financial account compromises. Cheung and his co-conspirators convinced victims to withdraw money to purchase gift cards and gold bars, which were then collected by conspirators posing as government agents; victims in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee were affected. Cheung faces up to 20 years in prison and was charged with wire fraud, extortion conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, and drug possession charges.
wjcl.com
· 2025-12-08
Chinese national Xiao Kun Cheung was federally indicted for operating a scheme targeting senior citizens in Savannah and Pooler, Georgia; he was arrested while attempting to pick up approximately $132,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler.
consumerfinancialserviceslawmonitor.com
· 2025-12-08
Multiple federal financial regulators (FRB, CFPB, FDIC, FinCEN, NCUA, OCC, and state agencies) issued a joint statement providing guidance to financial institutions on identifying, preventing, and responding to elder financial exploitation, noting the practice does not create new regulatory requirements. The statement highlights that elder financial exploitation causes an estimated $28.3 billion in annual losses in the U.S., with recommended strategies including enhanced governance, employee training, transaction holds, trusted contact designations, and Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) filing.
lexology.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal financial regulators (FRB, CFPB, FDIC, FinCEN, NCUA, OCC, and state authorities) issued a joint guidance statement providing strategies for financial institutions to identify, prevent, and respond to elder financial exploitation, citing annual losses of $28.3 billion nationally. The guidance recommends practices including enhanced risk management policies, employee training on red flags, transaction holds, designated trusted contacts, and filing Suspicious Activity Reports, while clarifying these are recommended practices rather than new regulatory requirements.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal financial regulators (FRB, CFPB, FDIC, FinCEN, NCUA, OCC, and state regulators) issued a joint statement providing guidance to financial institutions on identifying, preventing, and responding to elder financial exploitation, which causes an estimated $28.3 billion in annual losses in the U.S. The agencies recommend practices including enhanced governance and monitoring, employee training on red flags, transaction holds, designated trusted contacts, and filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) when exploitation is suspected.
racq.com.au
· 2025-12-08
RACQ Bank reports continued cases of members being victimized by romance scams initiated through social media and online dating apps, where scammers build trust over extended periods before requesting money for urgent problems. Once victims transfer funds, the scammers disappear, resulting in financial losses that are rarely recovered and significant emotional trauma beyond the monetary impact.
news.uthsc.edu
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common red flags across multiple scam types—including romance, delivery, grandparent, and tech support scams—and provides prevention strategies. Key advice includes not responding to unexpected texts, hanging up and calling back through verified numbers, establishing family safe words, refusing suspicious payment methods (gift cards, crypto, wire transfers), and being cautious on social media and dating apps. The article recommends victims stop payment immediately, take screenshots for evidence, and report incidents to their bank, local police, or relevant authorities.
dailygazette.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Montgomery County resident lost $40,000 in a cryptocurrency investment scam where the suspect posed as customer service and falsely claimed the victim's activity was being monitored. When the suspect, Zixiong Wang, 27, of Flushing, attempted to collect additional funds at a predetermined location in Amsterdam, New York State Police arrested him on charges of third-degree attempted grand larceny and criminal possession of cocaine; investigators also discovered he was wanted in Delaware for similar crimes against an elderly victim.
cbs6albany.com
· 2025-12-08
A 27-year-old man from Flushing, NY was arrested after defrauding a Montgomery County senior of over $40,000 through a fake cryptocurrency scam involving fraudulent emails and threatening phone calls. The suspect, Zixiong Wang, was apprehended during an arranged money exchange in Amsterdam and was also found to be wanted in Delaware for similar crimes against an elderly victim. Wang was remanded to jail without bail, with authorities noting additional suspects may be involved in the ongoing investigation.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Xiao Kun Cheung, 58, a Chinese national, was indicted for his role in a multi-state elder fraud conspiracy that targeted seniors up to age 92 across Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee, swindling over $1 million through phone calls and pop-up messages falsely claiming compromised accounts, then persuading victims to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, or buy gold bars. Cheung was arrested in March 2024 while attempting to collect approximately $132,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler, Georgia, and faces charges including wire fraud and extortion with potential penalties up to 20 years in prison. The case
patriotnewsmn.com
· 2025-12-08
A concerned citizen nearly fell for an impersonation scam where a caller claiming to be law enforcement demanded $15,000 bail to release the victim's daughter from jail after a purported car accident; the parents avoided loss by verifying the claim at the actual jail and discovering their daughter was safe. The article documents multiple similar law enforcement impersonation scams in Wright County, Minnesota, where scammers pose as sheriffs or court officials demanding payment or personal information, and provides guidance that legitimate law enforcement never calls demanding cash payments and advises victims to hang up and contact the actual agency directly.
wtoc.com
· 2025-12-08
A Chinese national was indicted for operating an elder fraud scheme targeting victims in Savannah and Pooler. The indictment indicates a coordinated fraud operation that specifically preyed on elderly residents in the Georgia area, though specific dollar amounts and detailed scheme methods were not provided in the available headline information.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Xiao Kun Cheung, 58, was formally charged with wire fraud, conspiracy, extortion proceeds receipt, and drug possession for orchestrating a multi-state elder fraud scheme targeting seniors aged up to 92 in Savannah, Pooler, Naples, and Cleveland. The scam involved phone calls and pop-up messages falsely claiming victims' computers or accounts were compromised, then persuading them to withdraw cash, buy gift cards, or purchase gold bars under the guise of government safekeeping; Cheung was arrested in March attempting to collect over $130,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison