New York State Division of State Police

10/31/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/31/2024 10:24

Scam Leads to Arrest in German Flatts

On October 25, 2024, State Police arrested Chengfeng Li, age 53, from Oakland Gardens, NY, and Tao Liu, age 53, from New York City, for Attempted Grand Larceny Third Degree (class "E" felony).

The investigation began when 61-year-old male victim reported to State Police he lost $20,000 cash in an elaborate scam. The victim reported he received a "billing and invoice" email for $349.99 for a "Geek Squad" subscription. When the victim called the "customer service" number included with the email to tell them he didn't have a subscription, he was told he had several fraudulent accounts and needed to withdraw money from his bank accounts before they were frozen.

State Police were able to take Chengfeng Li and Tao Liu into custody as they attempted to pick up additional money at the victim's residence.