York County Man Arrested in Nationwide Police Impersonation Scam

News Summary

In a shocking development, York County deputies arrested Shulong Li, a 43-year-old man from New York, linked to a nationwide scam impersonating police. The scheme came to light when a Minnesota woman fell victim, sending over $15,000 to ‘bail’ her son out of a fictional drug arrest. Quick thinking law enforcement intercepted the funds, leading to Li’s arrest and the recovery of $43,000 tied to the scam, which has impacted multiple states. Li’s illegal status further complicates his case, raising concerns over rising phone fraud scams targeting vulnerable individuals.

York County Busy with Arrest in National Police Impersonation Scam

In a surprising turn of events, York County deputies have apprehended a man from New York, connected to a troubling nationwide scam that has left many victims in its wake. On December 12, Shulong Li, a 43-year-old resident of College Point, was taken into custody amid serious charges, including obtaining property under false pretenses and conspiracy.

The Scheme Unraveled

The whole saga began when a woman from Minnesota fell victim to the scam. On December 11, she was devastated to hear that her son had been arrested on drug charges. In a panic, she sent more than $15,000 to an address in Fort Mill, believing it would help her son. However, her gut feeling kicked in, and she eventually contacted law enforcement, a move that would help unravel the entire scheme.

A Close Call

Thanks to her quick thinking, detectives were able to intercept the package before it reached Li. He was arrested soon after, leading to a deeper investigation into the scam that revealed it had reached several states, including Iowa and New Mexico. As detectives dug further, they managed to recover approximately $43,000 in cash that had been linked to this elaborate scam.

Illegal Status and More Charges

Interestingly, it was also revealed that Li is in the country illegally, which adds a layer of complexity to his case. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has now placed a detainer on him, which means they are keeping an eye on him for potential immigration violations.

A National Concern

This incident is part of a larger investigation into what has become a troubling trend of phone fraud scams that are not just limited to York County but span across the nation. Sheriff Kevin Tolson highlighted that this operation has targeted vulnerable individuals, exploiting them by impersonating law enforcement officials—a tactic that’s both devious and concerning.

Scams on the Rise

York County is no stranger to scams, reporting over $3.6 million lost to fraudulent schemes in 2024 alone, with 869 fraud cases documented. Out of those cases, 61 involved perpetrators who impersonated police officers. This alarming data highlights the prevalence of these scams and serves as a reminder to everyone to remain vigilant.

Staying Smart Against Scams

Authorities are emphasizing that legitimate law enforcement or court agencies will never request cash over the phone. In an amusing yet telling incident, one victim retaliated by sending a package filled with dog feces to the scammer, a creative way to express her anger upon realizing she had been conned. While it’s light-hearted, it does reveal the emotional toll these scams can have on victims.

Collaboration Efforts

Local law enforcement is currently working hand-in-hand with authorities in Minnesota to determine if additional charges can be brought against Li. The investigation is still ongoing, and everyone is hopeful that it will lead to further arrests and curtail this fraudulent operation.

Keeping Alert During the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, individuals are reminded to keep their guards up, as scams are known to spike during this time. Sheriff Tolson has urged everyone to remain vigilant and informed, taking steps to protect themselves from these cunning fraudsters who are always looking for their next target.