A sophisticated financial scam drained tens of thousands of dollars from a Howell Township couple before police stepped in—setting a trap that ended with the dramatic arrest of two suspects on a New Jersey highway.
News 12 reported that Howell Township police apprehended Wei Zheng and Qiufen Chen on Interstate 195 moments after they left the victims’ home, expecting to collect yet another payment. Instead, officers were waiting.
“This was an elaborate, well-orchestrated scam,” Howell Township Detective Richard Robertiello, a financial crimes expert, told News12. “If somebody is asking you to do something with your money, that’s an immediate sign that it’s a scam.”
The scheme began weeks earlier with a phishing campaign, targeting unsuspecting victims with fake PayPal notifications. Thousands of emails were sent, falsely claiming the recipient’s account had been compromised. The scammers then instructed victims to send large sums of cash to “resolve” the issue.
The Howell couple fell into the trap, handing over tens of thousands of dollars—twice—to individuals who came directly to their home to collect the money. But when a third demand for cash arrived, they grew suspicious and called Howell Township police.
“When we heard they were sending people to physically pick up the cash, we knew we had a chance to catch them in the act,” said Howell Township Police Chief John Storrow. “Our detectives set up a sting operation, and it worked.”
Police orchestrated a decoy drop, preparing a package meant to look like another large cash payment. When the suspects arrived to collect it, officers monitored their every move.
As soon as Zheng and Chen left the victims’ residence, detectives moved in, tracking their vehicle onto Interstate 195. They were pulled over and arrested, identified as Chinese nationals in the U.S. illegally, according to investigators.
“It’s likely part of an organized ring operating outside the country,” said Detective Ryan Jackson. “They communicate through encrypted channels like WhatsApp and coordinate with local operatives.”
Despite the arrests, investigators believe this case is just the tip of the iceberg. Howell police are urging anyone who may recognize these suspects or have fallen victim to similar scams to come forward.
“We have their phones. We have their locations,” said Chief Storrow. “This investigation is far from over—it’s likely much bigger than just this one couple.”
Zheng and Chen were charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy, but were later released from Monmouth County Jail.
Meanwhile, Howell police continue their outreach efforts, regularly holding fraud prevention seminars for seniors—who remain a prime target for financial predators.
“Zheng and Chen were charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy, but were later released from Monmouth County Jail.”- What about the Laken Riley act?