Asians Targeted in Scam
Updated March 31, 2010
On Wednesday, March 18, 2009, a female Cerritos resident received a threatening telephone call. The caller, a Mandarin-speaking male, made reference to the murder of mafia members and said his companions required money to flee the country. He demanded $30,000 from the victim and threatened to harm her husband and children if she did not comply. The victim is not married and has no children. On Thursday, March 19, the victim received another telephone call from the same male, however, the victim refused to speak to him.
Investigators assigned to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Asian Gang team are actively investigating these crimes and approximately 30 other similar crimes in Southern California. This appears to be an Internet-assisted scam based outside the United States. The F.B.I. is also involved in the investigation.
If you receive a similar call, and are concerned for the safety of loved ones, confirm that they are safe and contact your local law enforcement agency right away. Cerritos residents should call the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station/Community Safety Center at (562) 860-0044. If at all possible, check for any phone number that may be displayed on caller ID, make a note of it, and inform law enforcement.
