Zhenyong Weng, of Brooklyn, NY, has been arrested for allegedly targeting an 82-year-old Silver Spring woman through a government-imposter-related gold bar scam.
According to court documents, Barbara Lampe fell victim to the scam, which resulted in the theft of over $900,000 and an attempt to steal an additional approximately $2,500,000.
Zhenyong Weng, Photo: MCPD
The victim explained that while using her computer, she received an alert on the monitor directing her to call a phone number. The website alert falsely informed the victim that the criminal had flagged her computer, bank account, and social security number. The victim called the number directly and was told by the unknown suspect caller that many people were affected by the problem and that she needed to secure her money.
Believing her finances were in danger, the victim followed the suspect’s instructions. On or around April 22, 2024, an unknown suspect using the name “Tracy” called the victim and directed her to transfer $46,000 to Coopaa Fashionable to prevent Russia from stealing it from her account. The victim followed the instructions and electronically transferred the funds to another account, where they were stolen, according to the documents.
On Monday, July 15, 2024, at approximately 5:22 p.m., Weng was arrested in Silver Spring while he attempted to collect a package from the victim valued at over $70,000. The arrest was conducted by Montgomery County Police 1st District officers working in conjunction with the Financial Crimes Section and the Violent Crimes Information Center (VCIC).
Detectives believe there may be additional victims and want to remind the community that law enforcement will never attempt to contact you in this manner.
Weng is being held without bond at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the www.p3tips.com link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477. A reward of up to $10,000 is offered for information leading to the suspect’s arrest. Tips may remain anonymous.
For additional information regarding frauds and scams or how to report a situation, please visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/pol/fraud/financial-crimes-section.html.
