8 Chinese Nationals on Student Visas Charged in Computer ‘Pop-Up’ Scam Targeting Elders

Eight Chinese nationals on student visas in the United States have been indicted for their alleged role in a scam targeting elderly Americans through fraudulent computer pop-ups, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced on July 11.

The defendants, who came to the United States to attend college, are accused of defrauding more than 50 victims across 19 states out of more than $10 million. They were indicted by a federal grand jury in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

“These indictments highlight the relentless efforts of Homeland Security Investigations to safeguard our elderly population from complex fraud operations,” Edward V. Owens, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge, said in a statement.