Rosemead Man Arrested After $84K Phone Scam Targeting Elderly Victim in Camarillo
CAMARILLO, CA — July 2, 2026 – In May 2026, a 70-year-old Camarillo man received a phone call from someone claiming to work for an online banking security service. According to Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Spokesman Cmdr Eric Tennessen, the caller used “specific and accurate banking information” to make the warning appear legitimate.
Over the next several days, the victim was “persuaded to withdraw $84,000 in cash.” He was then directed to meet with a supposed security service employee and to provide a verbal security code before turning over the money.
The victim then met with 44-year-old Binchao Cen, a resident of Rosemead, Ca. and handed over the cash. A few days later, the victim became suspicious and reported the theft to the Camarillo Police Department.
At that point, the Camarillo Investigations Bureau, Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit, Camarillo Directed Enforcement Unit and Camarillo Patrol Services went into action and began a search for Cen.
Nearly a month later, on June 30th, detectives contacted Cen while he was driving to meet with another person they believed could be a potential victim. A search of Cen’s vehicle led to the discovery of “a large amount of cash” and a modified air-soft handgun.
Cen was taken into custody and transported to Ventura County Jail, where he was book on charges of theft by false pretenses, grand theft and theft from an elder adult.
Cen remains in custody with his bail set at $500,000.
– by F. Scott Faulkner
