DUANE SHERRILLEditor

A pair of Atlanta men were nabbed this past week while trying to rip-off a local woman using an online scam.

The suspects arrested include Zhen Jin Li who is being held at the Franklin County Jail under a $200,000 bond. He is charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Felony), Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Property $50,000, Possession of a Weapon in the Commission of a Felony (Felony), Attempted Theft of Property $50,000 (Felony), Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Services (Misdemeanor).

Jun Xiao who is being held under a $150,000 bond. He is charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Property $50,000 (Felony), Attempted Theft of Property $50,000 (Felony), Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Services (Misdemeanor).

Both defendants were still in jail at press-time and their court date is set for April 28 at 8 a.m.

According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), the scam began when the victim received a fraudulent message claiming to be from Norton Antivirus, stating she owed $410 for an unpaid bill. After clicking a link, she was reportedly contacted by a scammer who gained remote access to her computer, manipulated her banking information, and falsely claimed she had accidentally transferred $41,000 instead of $410. The scammers then claimed they transferred $82,000 to her as a refund and began pressuring her into withdrawing and delivering cash under the pretense of returning the funds.

Investigators revealed that over several days, the criminals attempted multiple pickups of large sums of money, even installing an app on the victim’s phone to monitor her in real time.

“Fortunately, her daughter recognized the scam and alerted authorities,” the sheriff’s office noted.

During the late afternoon hours on Feb. 24, after extensive coordination, FCSO investigators set up a sting operation at the victim’s home. When a vehicle arrived to collect the cash, deputies moved in, blocking the vehicle and taking two suspects into custody.

Along with arrested the men on charges, officers also reported finding $25,000 in cash (linked to previous scam operations), an H&K VP9 9mm handgun with two full magazines

“This case highlights the sophistication of modern scams and the importance of vigilance when dealing with unexpected financial requests,” the sheriff’s office pointed out. “We urge all residents to be cautious of online scams. Never allow remote access to your devices, and always verify unexpected financial claims with your bank or law enforcement. If you believe you or a loved one has been targeted by a similar scam, please immediately contact FCSO or your local law enforcement office.”