PITTSBURGH, PA – Two men from Santa Ana, California are facing federal charges after allegedly running a multi-million dollar tech support scam that preyed on vulnerable elderly citizens across the country, including a Western Pennsylvania victim stripped of over $1.2 million. Thien Phuc Tran, 32, and Ton Huynh Bui, 29, were indicted by a federal grand jury and arrested today, accused of wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.
The scheme, active from December 2020 to December 2021, operated by flashing deceptive pop-up messages on victims’ computers, falsely claiming to be from legitimate tech companies. These messages convinced the elderly that their financial accounts were compromised, prompting them to hand over control of their computers and, ultimately, their savings. Prosecutors allege the pair and their co-conspirators didn’t stop at emptying existing accounts. They also allegedly stole personally identifiable information (PII) from other unsuspecting individuals to open fraudulent accounts used to funnel and conceal the stolen funds.
The indictment details a sophisticated operation that went beyond simple theft. The conspirators converted stolen money into cryptocurrency, hopping between multiple accounts – including those directly linked to Tran and Bui – in a deliberate attempt to mask the trail of illicit funds. The impact on victims was devastating; one Western Pennsylvania resident saw their retirement accounts completely liquidated, losing a staggering $1,288,073. This isn’t just about money; it’s about destroying people’s futures.
“Members of the alleged conspiracy in this case preyed on this vulnerable population,” stated U.S. Attorney Chung. “They convinced victims their funds weren’t secure and needed to be moved to accounts controlled by the defendants.” The FBI and Secret Service are jointly investigating, highlighting the growing trend of cybercriminals specifically targeting seniors. “Cyber criminals are targeting our aging population at an ever-increasing rate,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “In some cases, these criminals have stolen the life savings of unsuspecting and trusting seniors.”
U.S. Secret Service Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Timothy Burke emphasized the role of cryptocurrency in facilitating these crimes. “Cryptocurrencies are increasingly being used to facilitate illicit activities,” Burke said. “We are committed to keeping pace with innovations in the financial system as we continue to safeguard Americans from fraud.” Authorities warn that scams targeting older Americans are rampant, utilizing various methods including phone calls, emails, and computer intrusions. The pressure to act quickly is a hallmark of these predatory schemes.
Common scams targeting seniors include tech support scams, romance scams, lottery/sweepstakes scams, grandparent scams, IRS impersonation scams, and investment schemes. Law enforcement urges vigilance and education as the best defense. If you or someone you know has been victimized by a scam, contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or your local law enforcement agency. Remember, you have the power to say “No” and protect yourself from these ruthless criminals.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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