State Police arrest two individuals accused of defrauding an elderly Saratoga County resident in an $80,000 scam

New York – Two people are facing felony charges after State Police in Clifton Park, working alongside the United States Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), uncovered what they say was a targeted scam against an elderly resident of Saratoga County.

On July 31, 2025, investigators arrested Chuncheng Lin, 26, of Brooklyn, and Hui Lin, 40, of Flushing. Both are charged with Grand Larceny in the third degree and Conspiracy in the fifth degree following a month-long investigation into an elaborate scheme that cost the victim tens of thousands of dollars.

The case began on June 30, when troopers received a troubling complaint from the victim, who believed they had been drawn into a sophisticated computer and phone scam. Investigators learned the scam started on June 18, when the victim was contacted online and later by phone by someone claiming to work for the Citizens Bank Fraud Department. The caller allegedly threatened the victim with legal prosecution unless they paid large sums of money.

For the following week, the victim—under the belief they were avoiding serious legal trouble—turned over more than $80,000 in a combination of cash and gift cards. Police say the demands were made through intimidation and deception, with the scammers exploiting fear to extort payment.

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The scam escalated on July 31, when the suspects allegedly reached out again to demand an additional $30,000. By this time, State Police investigators were fully involved and worked closely with the victim to set up a controlled meeting. Authorities say the suspects, who had no prior connection to the victim, traveled from the Long Island area to Halfmoon, NY, expecting to pick up the cash.

When Chuncheng Lin and Hui Lin arrived and took possession of what they believed was $30,000, police moved in. Both were taken into custody at the scene without incident. They were later interviewed by State Police investigators and HSI agents at the Clifton Park barracks.

After processing, both suspects were released with appearance tickets ordering them to return to Halfmoon Town Court on August 27, 2025.

The case highlights a growing concern for law enforcement: scams that specifically target older residents through a mix of technology and intimidation. “These crimes prey on some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” authorities have warned in similar cases, urging residents to be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages requesting money.

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State Police continue to remind the public that legitimate banks and government agencies will never demand payment in cash or gift cards, and will not threaten arrest for nonpayment. Anyone who believes they may have been targeted is encouraged to contact local law enforcement before sending money.

While the investigation is ongoing, officials say this incident serves as a clear reminder that such scams can happen to anyone, and that quick reporting to police can make the difference between losing money and stopping suspects in their tracks.