In July, Charlestown, Massachusetts police arrested a man in southern Indiana in connection with a scam that targeted American senior citizens across several states.
Authorities say a senior Charlestown resident was tricked into withdrawing US$27,000 from his retirement accounts and handing the cash over to a man who showed up at his front door on May 5.
The man, identified as 36-year-old Jia Hua Liu, allegedly took the money and left. Police launched an investigation and linked Liu to additional scams in Ohio, New Mexico and Tennessee. Investigators estimate the total losses from these incidents to be US$309,000, according to WDRB.
Liu, a Canadian citizen who entered the U.S. in April, also came close to defrauding three more seniors in Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan. Those attempts were stopped by concerned family members, potentially preventing another US$70,000 in losses.
He was arrested on July 2 at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport while trying to leave the country. Police say they recovered a substantial amount of cash while searching his vehicle and luggage.
Liu faces charges of theft, fraud, conspiracy and money laundering — the investigation is ongoing.
His arrest highlights just how scammers target seniors using increasingly sophisticated tactics. As these schemes become more common, understanding how they work can help protect you or someone you love from becoming a fraudster’s next unsuspecting victim.
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How the scams work
In 2024, Canadians lost more than $638 million to fraud across 108,878 cases, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). While fraud targets all ages, older adults are often primary targets, mainly because they may be more trusting of strangers, while also being less familiar with technology and the latest digital scams.
Canadian authorities and financial experts note that seniors may have significant retirement savings or home equity, making them a prime target for financial fraud. Cognitive decline, coupled alongside social isolation, may also be a factor in making it harder for older citizens to detect a scam.
Some of the most common schemes targeting seniors include:
- Government impersonation scams: Scammers pose as officials from the CRA or your bank, claiming they are trying to protect your money from fraud.
- Sweepstakes and lottery scams: Victims are told they’ve won a prize but must pay a fee to collect it.
- Tech support scams: Scammers pretend to be IT workers and gain remote access to computers, then install malware or demand payment for fake repairs.
- Romance scams: Fraudsters build online relationships to gain trust and then ask for money. They can use fake photos and profiles to convince their target the relationship is real.
- Family or grandparent scams: Scammers claim to be a grandchild in trouble and ask for emergency money, often saying they’re in jail, the hospital or stranded abroad.
Fraudsters often spend weeks or months or even years building trust. Authorities urge seniors and their families to stay alert and avoid giving away large sums of money.
How to protect those you love from similar scams
Bad faith actors often count on fear and urgency. Whether they claim your bank account has been hacked or pretend to be a loved one, the goal is always to get money fast before you’ve had time to think it through.
Red flags to watch out for include:
- Requests to withdraw large sums of cash or purchase gift cards
- A stranger or ‘courier’ who is coming to your home to collect money
- Pressure to act quickly while keeping the situation secret
- Caller ID showing a government agency or bank
- Someone who is telling you not to talk to family or friends
Common warnings from RCMP state to be wary of anyone — even family members or other people you think you know well — demanding money. It’s your right to ask questions and, if in doubt, say no. Trust your gut: No legitimate agency, authority or family member will ever demand you withdraw money and hand it over.
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If you’re a caregiver for a senior loved one, here’s how you can help:
- Talk openly about common scams and how they work
- Encourage them to call you before making unusual financial decisions
- Set up transaction alerts on their bank accounts
- Help screen their calls or block unknown numbers
- Remind them that no government agency accepts cash, gift cards or cryptocurrency
In the Jia Hua Liu cases, Charlestown police believe there may be more victims who haven’t yet come forward.
If you or someone close to you has been the target of a recent scam, contact local law enforcement or notify the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
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Sources
1. WDRB: Man arrested at Louisville airport in $300K multi-state scam targeting elderly, police say (Jul 7, 2025)
2. CAFC: Fraud Prevention Month 2025 (Mar 24, 2025)
3. RCMP: Frauds and scams
This article originally appeared on Money.ca under the title: Canadian man scammed seniors out of $309K — Protect your money by learning how to spot the signs of a scam
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.