LICKING COUNTY, OH — A 42-year-old Chinese national, Liwei Zhang, has been arrested and charged in an alleged scam that defrauded an Ohio resident out of $27,000 in cash. The Licking County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Zhang’s arrest following a sting operation aimed at disrupting what may be part of a larger international fraud network.
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How the Apple ID Scam Unfolded
The scam began when the victim received a phone call from an unknown individual claiming their Apple ID had been compromised. The caller, believed to be part of a sophisticated scam ring, manipulated the victim by creating a false sense of urgency around the security of their financial assets.
To “protect” their funds, the victim was told to hand over their money in person to a supposed Apple representative — who was later identified as Liwei Zhang.
Victim Hands Over $27,000 in Cash
Believing they were complying with a legitimate Apple protocol, the victim surrendered $27,000 in cash to Zhang at their residence. Days later, the same scammer contacted the victim again, this time requesting an additional $20,000, citing ongoing security concerns.
Sting Operation Leads to Arrest
By the time the second request was made, the victim had reported the incident to authorities. On May 12, 2025, the Licking County Sheriff’s Office, working in coordination with the victim, set up a controlled environment to catch the scammer during the second transaction.
When Zhang returned to the home for the additional money, a detective was waiting and arrested him without incident.
Felony Theft Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Zhang is currently in custody and faces felony theft charges. Investigators are now probing whether he was working alone or as part of a larger international operation that targets individuals using tech-support and digital identity scams.
Authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to determine if there are other victims across Ohio or beyond.
“This case is a stark reminder of how convincing and dangerous modern scams can be,” said a spokesperson for the Licking County Sheriff’s Office. “Always be cautious of unsolicited calls about your digital accounts.”
Public Safety Tips to Avoid Tech Scams
To help prevent similar incidents, law enforcement urges the public to follow these key safety tips:
- Never give money or personal information to unsolicited callers, especially those claiming tech or account issues.
- Contact the company directly through official channels if you receive suspicious calls about account security.
- Report scams to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Conclusion: Staying Vigilant in a Digital World
The arrest of Liwei Zhang underscores the increasing sophistication of digital scams and the importance of public awareness. In a time when scammers exploit fear and urgency, staying informed and cautious is the best defense.
As the investigation continues, officials urge anyone who believes they’ve been targeted in a similar scam to report it immediately. The case is a critical reminder of how real-world consequences can arise from digital deception, and that swift reporting can make all the difference.