On July 11, 2025, ICE Buffalo issued a warning to New Yorkers after arresting two Chinese nationals accused of scamming elderly residents out of tens of thousands of dollars. The arrests highlight a growing problem of transnational fraud schemes targeting vulnerable people across the United States 🇺🇸, with law enforcement urging the public to stay alert and report suspicious activity.
Recent Arrests and Immediate Threats
ICE Buffalo’s warning follows the arrests of Jian Chen and Rihui Yan, both Chinese nationals found to be in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status. Jian Chen was taken into custody on July 8, 2025, in Potsdam, New York, after he scammed a 63-year-old woman out of $42,000 and tried to get another $98,000 from her. This arrest was the result of a joint operation between Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Massena and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
Rihui Yan was arrested earlier, on May 29, 2025, after attempting to scam an elderly couple in Wyoming County out of $20,000. Authorities say Yan is also wanted for a similar crime in the same area. Both men are now in ICE custody without bond and are facing removal proceedings, meaning they could be deported from the United States 🇺🇸.
A third Chinese national, Hui Chen, was arrested on October 24, 2024, for trying to defraud another elderly resident of about $40,000. He remains in custody while his immigration case is pending.
How the Scams Work
The scams carried out by these individuals follow a pattern seen in many recent cases. The perpetrators often pose as government officials or trusted representatives. They contact elderly victims, usually by phone or computer, and convince them that they need to transfer large sums of money to solve a fake problem—like a supposed legal issue or a threat to their bank accounts.
Some common tactics include:
– Sending pop-up messages to seniors’ computers warning of fake security threats
– Pretending to be from government agencies or banks
– Instructing victims to wire money, send cryptocurrency, or hand over cash or gold to couriers
In a related case in May 2025, ICE led an investigation that resulted in the indictment of eight people with ties to China. This group is accused of running a transnational elder fraud and money laundering scheme that targeted about 300 victims in at least 37 states. The known losses in that case exceed $5 million, and investigators believe up to $16 million may have been laundered through these scams.
Official Responses and Community Impact
Joseph Freden, ICE ERO Deputy Field Office Director, spoke out against these crimes, saying, “Targeting vulnerable members of our community is unacceptable. ICE is committed to arresting and removing those who threaten public safety and break U.S. laws.”
Erin Keegan, HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge, added, “We will never stand idly by while bad actors—in this case, illegally present Chinese nationals—target innocent New Yorkers for their own selfish gain.”
The Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office was mentioned as a resource for people affected by crimes committed by individuals with immigration violations. While the VOICE Office is not a tip line, it offers support and information for victims and their families. ICE also encourages anyone with information about immigration or criminal violations to contact them through their official channels.
Why New Yorkers Are at Risk
New York has a large population of elderly residents, making it a target for scammers. ICE Buffalo and HSI Massena have increased their public awareness efforts, warning New Yorkers about these ongoing scams. They urge everyone, especially seniors and their families, to be cautious and to report any suspicious activity.
The recent arrests are part of a larger federal effort to crack down on criminal aliens and transnational fraud. Since January 2025, under President Trump’s administration, there has been a major campaign to remove criminal aliens, with a special focus on those involved in fraud and crimes against vulnerable people.
How Law Enforcement Is Responding
ICE and HSI are working closely with local police and other agencies to catch and prosecute those responsible for these crimes. When someone is arrested, they are held without bond and placed in removal proceedings. This means they stay in custody while their case is reviewed, and they may be deported if found guilty of immigration violations.
Victims are encouraged to:
– Report scams to local police and ICE
– Use resources from the VOICE Office for support and information
– Stay informed about common scam tactics and prevention tips
Community outreach is a big part of the response. ICE Buffalo and HSI Massena have released public warnings, worked with the media, and visited senior centers and advocacy groups to educate people about how these scams work and how to avoid them.
The Bigger Picture: Transnational Fraud and Immigration
The problem of scams targeting the elderly is not new, but it has grown in recent years. Transnational groups, including some with ties to China, have become more active, especially as more Chinese nationals cross the southern border into the United States 🇺🇸. These groups use technology and fake identities to trick people into sending them money.
Law enforcement officials say that stopping these crimes requires cooperation between different agencies and across state lines. They also stress the need for public education, so people know how to spot a scam before it’s too late.
Advocacy groups for the elderly are calling for more funding for education and prevention programs. They also want stronger penalties for those who target seniors. Some immigration advocates warn against blaming all immigrants for these crimes, saying the focus should be on the specific criminal acts, not on immigration status alone.
What This Means for Chinese Nationals and New Yorkers
The recent arrests have put a spotlight on Chinese nationals involved in these scams, but officials are careful to point out that most immigrants follow the law. The focus, they say, is on stopping criminal activity and protecting vulnerable people.
For New Yorkers, especially the elderly, the message is clear: Be careful when someone asks for money, especially if they claim to be from the government or a bank. Never give out personal information or send money to someone you don’t know. If you think you’ve been targeted, report it right away.
Practical Steps for Staying Safe
To help protect yourself and your loved ones from scams like these, consider the following tips:
– Don’t trust unsolicited calls or emails from people claiming to be government officials or bank representatives
– Never send money to someone you don’t know or haven’t met in person
– Don’t share personal information like your Social Security number or bank account details over the phone or online
– Talk to family members or trusted friends before making any large financial decisions
– Report suspicious activity to local police and ICE
The VOICE Office is available to support victims and their families. You can find more information and contact details on the official ICE website. For reporting suspected scams or immigration violations, visit the ICE Tip Line or contact your local law enforcement agency.
Policy and Enforcement Trends
The crackdown on these scams is part of a broader effort by federal authorities to target criminal aliens and transnational fraud. Since the start of 2025, President Trump’s administration has made it a priority to remove individuals who commit crimes, especially those who prey on vulnerable groups like the elderly.
ICE Buffalo and HSI Massena have stepped up their efforts, working with local police and other agencies to catch and prosecute those responsible. They have also increased public outreach, warning New Yorkers about the risks and encouraging everyone to stay alert.
Community and Advocacy Group Responses
Law enforcement officials say that stopping these crimes requires teamwork between different agencies and across state lines. They also stress the need for public education, so people know how to spot a scam before it’s too late.
Advocacy groups for the elderly are calling for more funding for education and prevention programs. They also want stronger penalties for those who target seniors. Some immigration advocates warn against blaming all immigrants for these crimes, saying the focus should be on the specific criminal acts, not on immigration status alone.
Background and Historical Context
Scams targeting the elderly by transnational groups have become more common in recent years. ICE and HSI have responded by forming special task forces and launching public awareness campaigns, especially in areas with many elderly residents. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these efforts have helped catch more scammers and protect more victims, but the problem is still growing.
The rise in Chinese nationals crossing the southern border and becoming involved in such schemes has added to the challenge. Law enforcement agencies are working hard to keep up with new tactics used by scammers, including the use of technology and fake identities.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
Ongoing investigations are expected to lead to more arrests and indictments. ICE and HSI have promised to keep working with local police and other partners to stop these scams and protect the public. Lawmakers are also considering new laws to increase penalties for elder fraud and to provide more resources for victim support and prevention.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a scam, it’s important to seek help right away. The VOICE Office and local law enforcement can provide support and guidance. Staying informed and alert is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming victims.
Key Takeaways for New Yorkers
- ICE Buffalo has warned New Yorkers about scams targeting the elderly, following the arrests of Chinese nationals involved in these crimes.
- The scams often involve fraud and misrepresentation, with perpetrators posing as officials to trick victims into sending money.
- Law enforcement is working hard to catch and remove those responsible, with a focus on protecting vulnerable people.
- Victims are encouraged to report scams and use resources like the VOICE Office for support.
- Public awareness and education are key to preventing future scams.
For more information on how to report scams or get help, visit the ICE Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office. Staying alert and informed can help keep you and your loved ones safe from fraud.
By working together—law enforcement, advocacy groups, and the public—New Yorkers can help stop these scams and protect the most vulnerable members of their communities.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, enforcing immigration and criminal laws nationally.
HSI → Homeland Security Investigations, a division of ICE focusing on criminal investigations including fraud.
Removal Proceedings → Legal process where individuals face deportation due to immigration violations or crimes.
Transnational Fraud → Criminal schemes crossing country borders to defraud victims using deceptive tactics.
VOICE Office → An ICE office providing support and information for victims of crimes committed by immigrants.
This Article in a Nutshell
ICE Buffalo warns New Yorkers after arresting Chinese nationals for elder scams involving tens of thousands of dollars. Authorities stress vigilance and reporting suspicious calls to protect vulnerable seniors from costly fraud schemes targeting communities nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
