Napa Police Arrest San Jose Man for Alleged Elder Abuse and Fraud Targeting 93-Year-Old Resident
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“Case Number: Napa Police Department NPD24004556
Incident Date/Time: 10-27-2024 Incident
Location: Napa, CA
Incident Type: Elder Abuse and Fraud
Victim #1: Adult Male, 93 years old, Napa, California
Suspect #1: Zhi Rong Deng, 28 years old, San Jose – Released from custody
Felony Charges: 532 PC – Obtain money by false pretenses 368 PC – Elder Abuse 664/487 PC – Attempt Grand theft Arrest Booking Date/Time: 10/28/2024 at 3:14 PM Released: 10/28/2024 at 7:20 PM
Background: On 10-27-24 at approximately 10:00 AM, a 93-year-old Napa resident reported he had received an email to call a number related to a transaction through PayPal. He called the number and was coerced into providing his personal identification information. He was then convinced that he had been paid an excess of $30,000 and was asked to take out cash from his bank account and put it in a box and a courier would retrieve it. The victim withdrew $20,000 cash from his account and provided it in a box to an Asian male adult who arrived at his residence.
He advised the courier he would get the remaining $10,000 by Monday, 10-28-24 and they would set up a pick up time. The incident was report to Napa Police patrol personnel who informed detectives in the Investigations unit. With the assistance of trained investigators, the victim set up a pick up for the remaining $10,000 on 10-28-24.
The victim was provided with a password the courier would provide so the package could be exchanged. Detectives from the Napa Police Department were waiting for the courier and at 11:47 AM the courier was contacted at the meet location and arrested. The suspect was identified as Zhi Deng and stated he was originally from New York. He was a courier sent out to California specifically to collect money from elderly people who were being scammed.
He worked all over the Bay Area and knew there were other couriers like him in the area. Deng was arrested and booked at Napa County Detention Center for the above listed felony crimes. He posted bail the same day. While an arrest was made in this case, the victim was still coerced into providing $20,000 of his own money which was not recovered.
We advise the following tips to avoid scams targeting our elderly community:
• Be wary of unexpected calls: If you didn’t call them, the salesperson may have found your information on a mailing list.
• Don’t share sensitive information: Don’t share personal information like your Social Security number, bank account information, credit card numbers, PINs, and passwords over the phone, in emails, or in text messages.
• Be cautious of offers to make a quick decision: Don’t be rushed into making a purchase. Even a request for a gift card is most likely a scam.
• Be careful with online shopping: Don’t follow suspicious links or give up personal information online.
• Verify agents and companies: Before buying insurance, call to make sure the agent and company are licensed.
• Protect your electronic accounts: Keep your computer and smartphone’s security software up to date and use multifactor authentication.
• Check your bills: Check your bills for unauthorized charges and contact the company if you see any.
• Talk to a trusted person: If you have any doubts, call a trusted person or your financial institution.
• Block scammers: Block scammers from calling and add your phone numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry.
• Contact Adult Protective Services: If you suspect elder fraud or financial abuse, contact your state’s Adult Protective Services (APS) office.”
