WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A warning Wednesday from the Lycoming County District Attorney: There's a new scam targeting older men. 28/22 News spoke to District Attorney Thomas Marino and has more on the new scam.
The Lycoming County District Attorney held a news conference on Wednesday afternoon, highlighting a new scam targeting older men.
"These are men up in age who's wife passed away or are lonely, looking for attention," Lycoming District Attorney Thomas Marino said.
District Attorney Thomas Marino says a Chinese organization is focusing on older men, including three in Lycoming County.
The scammer poses as a young woman from a different country looking for love.
Landlord allegedly bludgeoned with rock after rent dispute
The con artist eventually asks the men for money for a plane ticket or for investment opportunities.
When they arrive in the country, the scammer tells the victim they've been taken captive and are being held for ransom.
"Unfortunately, the older gentleman took this hook, line, and sinker, and sent to a particular place through a money order type transaction, $500,000. It's a very sophisticated operation. Once that money is transferred, it's in China within 15 minutes," District Attorney Marino explained.
The district attorney says in total, the three men lost upwards of $6,000,000.
"It's not funny. It's, it's sad," District Attorney Marino added.
District Attorney Marino says if you're suspicious of a scam like this, contact your local District Attorney's office or the FBI.
The district attorney also says to write down as much information as possible on the individual and stresses not to give out personal information.
