Man Arrested After Scamming Elderly Camarillo Resident $84K
A phone call claiming to be from a security software company convinced a 70-year-old man to hand over $84,000 in cash. He had no idea he'd been scammed until days later.
Ventura County Sheriff's detectives arrested 44-year-old Rosemead resident Binchao Cen on June 30 in connection with the alleged scam, which unfolded over several days in May.
How the Scam Unfolded
The victim reported receiving a call from an unknown number, with the caller claiming to represent McAfee Security. According to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, the caller alleged the victim's bank account may have been compromised and provided specific, accurate bank details to appear legitimate.
Over several days, the caller convinced the victim to withdraw the $84,000 in cash and arrange a meeting with a supposed McAfee Security employee. The victim was instructed to provide a verbal security code before handing over the money, then met with the person later identified as Cen and turned over the cash.
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The Arrest
The victim realized days later that he had been scammed and reported the incident to the Camarillo Police Department. On June 30, detectives located Cen while he was allegedly driving to meet with what they believed was another possible victim.
Detectives took Cen into custody and found him in possession of a large amount of cash and a modified airsoft handgun, according to police. A search warrant was also executed at a residence in Rosemead connected to the case.
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Charges Filed
Cen was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility on charges of theft by false pretenses, grand theft, and theft from an elder adult. His bail was set at $500,000.
The case follows a pattern law enforcement agencies nationwide describe as increasingly common: scammers impersonating trusted brands or institutions to pressure elderly victims into fast cash withdrawals before the fraud can be detected.
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What Investigators Are Warning About
The Ventura County Sheriff's Department warned the public about scams that often arrive as emails, texts, or phone calls appearing to come from trusted sources such as the IRS, law enforcement agencies, or well-known companies. Victims are frequently pressured to send money quickly, sometimes after being told a loved one has been arrested or injured and urgently needs financial help.
Authorities advise anyone who suspects a scam to avoid sending money or sharing personal information, and instead verify independently before acting.
Where to Report a Scam
The Camarillo Police Station can be reached at (805) 388-5100. Suspected fraud can also be reported to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov.
TL;DR
- A 70-year-old Camarillo man was scammed out of $84,000 by a caller posing as a McAfee Security representative
- Suspect Binchao Cen, 44, of Rosemead, was arrested June 30 while allegedly targeting another possible victim
- Cen was found with a large amount of cash and a modified airsoft handgun
- He faces charges of theft by false pretenses, grand theft, and theft from an elder adult, with bail set at $500,000
- Authorities warn against sending money or personal information in response to unsolicited security-related calls
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