On April 10th, 2024, the Oceanside Police Department was contacted by a victim of a “Pop-Up” computer scam. This scam asks the victim to call a number that “pops up” on the computer. The scammer provides a scenario where their bank account or other personal data was compromised. The scammer offers the victim a quick way to fix the problem. This fix is to take out large sums of cash from their bank account, in this case, $50,000, and give it to a person who will come and collect the money. Unfortunately, this occurred before the victim called the police. Today, the scammers called back and wanted another $40,000. The Oceanside Police Department Property and Financial Crimes Unit, working jointly with the FBI Elder Justice Task Force, swiftly devised a plan and coordinated with the victim to have the courier or “Money Mule” return to a predetermined location and collect the money. The suspect was apprehended without incident and was identified as 44-year-old Chi Hung Duong from Monterey Park, California. Duong was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on a $200,000 bail.
The Oceanside Police Department urgently requests the community to contact their relatives and friends and disseminate information about these financial predators. It’s crucial to support them before and if they encounter these circumstances. If a person calls and asks you to pay for any service with pre-paid credit cards or gift cards, IT’S A SCAM. If you receive a computer notice that your computer has been hacked and you need to call a certain number, IT’S A SCAM. If the Gas and Electric company is calling, threatening to shut off your electricity unless you pay with gift cards, IT’S A SCAM. If a person you do not trust requests remote access to your computer to fix a virus problem, IT’S A SCAM. If a caller informs you that you’ve won the lottery but need to pay the taxes on the winnings first with gift cards, IT’S A SCAM. These criminals are often not in this country, despite the local-looking phone numbers. The phone number might even resemble a real phone number from a legitimate company. If you think it can’t happen to you or someone you know, YOU ARE WRONG, it happens every day. We need your support in spreading the word to thwart this financial crime targeting one of the most vulnerable parts of our community. Contact your local law enforcement agencies and ask questions before falling victim to these scams. Stay vigilant and stay safe.
