40K scam attempt foiled

SULPHUR SPRINGS – An undercover operation led to the arrest of a McKinney man after he allegedly attempted to scam an elderly person out of more than $40,000.

According to our news partner KETK and the Sulphur Springs Police Department, officials received a report stating that scammers had targeted an elderly individual, claiming to represent the Federal Trade Commission.

The scammers allegedly convinced the victim that her bank account was used to purchase illegal material and instructed her to withdraw a large amount of cash. The victim was also told that an agent would come to her home and collect the money to resolve the issue, the police department said.

Investigators then launched an undercover operation at the victim’s house.

After the victim spoke with officials, investigators conducted an undercover operation. During the operation, a suspect arrived at the victim’s home to collect $44,000 in cash. Shortly after leaving the home, the suspect, identified by police as Hung-Chi Chen of McKinney, was stopped and taken into custody.

Chen was later booked into the Hopkins County Jail and was charged with theft from an elderly individual.

“The Sulphur Springs Police Department has received numerous reports of scams in recent years,” the department said. “We encourage residents to speak with elderly family members, friends, and neighbors about these types of scams.”