Man arrested for $17,000 attempted scam in Lynden; police seeking other potential victims
Lynden police arrested a man who is suspected of attempting to steal around $17,000 through a scam from a Lynden resident.
The suspected told the alleged victim that he had received too much in a refund and needed to return the money. After preparing the cash, the individual was told someone would visit them in person to collect, according to Lynden Police Chief Steve Taylor.
When family members learned of the arrangement, they recognized it as a scam and contacted police. When the individual, later identified as Zhijia Ma, 41, arrived to collect the money on Sept. 20, he was arrested, according to Taylor.
Ma was assisted by at least one other person who was on the phone, as that person was talking to the victim while Ma was arriving. The investigation into the scam is ongoing, and police suspect there are other victims, Taylor said.
According to Taylor, there are records showing Ma had traveled “a lot” across the Northwest, including into Oregon and across the border into British Columbia. The Lynden Police Department is working with federal agencies on the investigation, and anyone who suspects they are a victim is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
Probable cause was developed to arrest Ma on suspicion of attempted first-degree theft and felony conspiracy. He remains in custody at Whatcom County Jail.
This story was originally published September 25, 2024 at 8:37 AM.
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