Chuncheng Lin, Hui Lin Charged In $80K Saratoga Scam

A Saratoga County senior was defrauded of over $80,000 in cash and gift cards by two downstate individuals, who allegedly returned to steal a another $30,000 before being taken into custody.

Money

After a collaborative investigation by the US Department of Homeland Security and New York State Police, Chuncheng Lin, 26, of Brooklyn, and Hui Lin, 40, of Flushing, were taken into custody on Thursday, July 31.

According to New York State Police, the investigation started on Monday, June 30, when an elderly Saratoga County resident claimed to have been the victim of a computer scam.

Through a computer and a phone call, the victim informed authorities that they had been tricked by someone claiming to be from the Citizens Bank fraud department two weeks prior. The victim was allegedly threatened with legal action by the scammer unless they gave them money and gift cards.

Over the next week, the victim lost more than $80,000 through what police described as extortion. On Thursday, July 31, the con artist reached out to the victim once more and demanded an additional $30,000.

In Halfmoon, troopers set up a meeting with the victim’s cooperation. Police said that Chuncheng Lin and Hui Lin, who had no previous relationship to the victim, went to pick up what they thought was $30,000 in cash.

After taking control of the item, troopers and federal authorities arrested the two. Both were accused of fifth-degree conspiracy and third-degree grand larceny.

The defendants were discharged after receiving appearance tickets for Halfmoon Town Court. The inquiry is still under progress.