New York Man Arrested After Scamming Community Member Out of $40,000

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Reston Police District— Detectives from our Financial Crimes Unit have charged a New York man after he traveled to Fairfax County to scam a victim out of $40,000 in Kings Park West.

On September 13, officers took a walk-in report for a fraud case. The victim reported that he was defrauded out of $40,000 by an unknown man. An unknown man contacted the victim, claiming to be a representative of his bank, and convinced him to withdraw money on two separate occasions and hand it over in person.

Detectives from our Financial Crimes unit assumed the investigation. Through their investigation, detectives identified Kun Ye, 37, of New York as the suspect.

Through coordination with our Fugitive Tracking and Apprehension Unit, Ye was tracked to the 3900 block of Fair Ridge Drive in Fair Oaks where he was taken into custody.

Ye was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and charged with Felony Obtaining Money by False Pretenses. He was held on no bond.

How to Protect Yourself from Scammers Posing as Your Bank

Scammers are often very persuasive, using pressure and false authority to convince you to act quickly. Stay alert and never share personal info, verify callers, and never hand over money to strangers. Here are some tips to help protect yourself from becoming a victim:

  • Never give personal information over the phone.
    Banks will never call asking for your PIN, password, or full account numbers.
  • Verify the caller.
    If someone claims to be from your bank, hang up and call the official number listed on your bank’s website or statement.
  • Don’t rush.
    Scammers often try to create urgency or pressure you into acting immediately. Take your time and think carefully before taking any action.
  • Avoid wiring or transferring money to strangers.
    Legitimate banks will never ask you to send money to resolve an issue or “recover” lost funds.
  • Never meet with strangers to hand over money.
    If someone instructs you to meet in person and give money, it’s almost always a scam.
  • Look for red flags.
    Be cautious of threatening language, unsolicited calls, or requests for secrecy, which are classic scam tactics.

If you have information regarding this incident or believe you’ve been a victim, please call our Financial Crimes Unit at 703-246-3533. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web – Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.  

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