Jiaci Liu, a Chinese national, was sentenced in federal court to 24 months in prison for his role in a multinational fraud conspiracy that targeted elderly Americans. The case involved a scheme in which conspirators posed as technical support specialists, bank representatives, and government officials to defraud seniors out of their savings.
Liu had previously served three months in state custody before being charged federally. He was arrested in February 2024 by the San Diego District Attorney’s Office and later transferred to federal custody in May 2024 when new charges were filed.
Authorities learned about the scam after a 63-year-old Poway man reported suspicious activity to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. According to court documents, the victim encountered a pop-up window on his computer warning of a virus and instructing him to call a phone number. After making contact, he spoke with individuals pretending to be tech support and then someone claiming to represent his bank. The victim was told there were unauthorized transfers from his account and was advised to withdraw all his money for safekeeping.
The victim withdrew $28,000 from his bank and was told that someone from the U.S. Marshals Service would come to collect it at his home. Becoming suspicious, he contacted local authorities who advised him further action if anyone came for the money.
When Liu arrived at the victim’s residence attempting to collect the funds, police responded and arrested him outside the home. A search of Liu’s cellphone revealed evidence showing that within one week during June 2023, he traveled across Southern California and Arizona collecting over $202,000 from elderly victims—some as old as 83 years old.
In sentencing Liu, U.S. District Judge Jinsook Ohta stated that the operation used “sophisticated means” and caused significant financial harm to its victims. Judge Ohta noted concern over personal pickups of cash from elderly victims due to risks of physical injury or confrontation.
“Scamming the elderly is a reprehensible crime that robs individuals of their hard-earned savings and the dignity they deserve in their golden years,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “There’s a cruelty in being willing to con your way to a victim’s door, look your victim in the eye, and physically take their life savings from them. This office will not tolerate deceitful and cruel criminals exploiting seniors.”
“Thanks to the courage of one potential victim alerting law enforcement, today’s sentencing ensures that Liu will be held accountable for his actions in a multinational tech support scam,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Dargis of the FBI’s San Diego Field Office. “This case demonstrates the effectiveness of the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force through its collaborative partnerships in protecting our most vulnerable communities. The FBI is proud to play a role in that mission.”
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force—a partnership between local law enforcement bodies such as Carlsbad Police Department and California Highway Patrol—and federal partners like the FBI.
Liu faced charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud under Title 18 U.S.C., Section 1349 with maximum penalties up to thirty years imprisonment and $1 million fine.
Assistance for elder fraud victims is available through resources like the National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-372-8311) or via reporting platforms such as the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Mokhtari prosecuted this case.
