By El Latino Newsroom
A Southern California man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities accused him of participating in an elaborate fraud scheme that allegedly targeted an elderly Ventura County resident and resulted in the loss of $14,000, prosecutors announced Tuesday.
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said Yongan Ma, 44, of Rosemead, has been charged with conspiracy to commit grand theft, conspiracy to commit elder fraud and grand theft from an elder or dependent adult. Prosecutors allege Ma knowingly assisted in a sophisticated scam that relied on deception, intimidation and impersonation of government officials to steal cash from a senior citizen in Thousand Oaks.
The criminal case highlights a growing trend in which fraudsters manipulate older adults through technology-based scams, convincing victims they are facing immediate legal or financial threats. Investigators say criminals often exploit fear and confusion to pressure victims into making large cash withdrawals before realizing they have been deceived.
According to prosecutors, the investigation began after an elderly resident reported being tricked into handing over thousands of dollars to individuals posing as government representatives.
Authorities allege Ma played an active role in the operation by transporting a courier who collected the victim’s money and by benefiting financially from the scheme.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Dominic Kardum of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Fraud and Technology Crimes Unit.
Online Scam Escalated Into Cash Pickup
Investigators said the fraud began on April 2, 2026, when the victim was deleting unwanted emails on her home computer. After clicking on what appeared to be a legitimate link, a warning message suddenly appeared on her screen instructing her not to shut down the computer and instead call a phone number displayed in the alert.
When she called, she reached someone who claimed her computer had been infected with malicious software. The caller then transferred her to another individual who falsely identified himself as an official with the Federal Trade Commission.
According to prosecutors, the impersonator falsely informed the victim that she had become a suspect in a money laundering investigation. The caller claimed she needed to immediately withdraw money from her bank accounts and provide proof that the funds belonged to her.
The scam became increasingly convincing as the caller falsely claimed that the U.S. Treasury Department was also involved in the investigation and warned that the victim’s bank accounts would be frozen if she failed to cooperate.
While remaining on the telephone, the suspect allegedly instructed the victim to drive to several financial institutions and withdraw $15,000 in cash.
During the trip, the caller reportedly intensified the pressure by claiming that two people were watching the victim’s home, creating additional fear and discouraging her from questioning the instructions she was receiving.
Although the victim was unable to withdraw the full amount requested, investigators said she obtained $14,000 in cash before returning home.
Once there, she was instructed to package the money and wait for a woman identified only as «Lisa.» The caller explained that the woman would provide a specific password and that the cash should only be released after hearing the correct phrase.
Authorities said an unidentified female later arrived at the victim’s residence, gave the agreed-upon password and collected the package containing the cash at approximately 3 p.m.
The following day, the victim realized she had likely been the target of a sophisticated fraud scheme. She informed a family member, who immediately contacted law enforcement, launching the criminal investigation.
Detectives Identify Suspect and Warn Residents
Detectives with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office traced the alleged operation and concluded that Ma drove the female courier to the victim’s home on the day of the crime.
According to investigators, Ma allegedly dropped off the courier, who then completed the cash pickup using the prearranged password before returning with the money.
Prosecutors contend that Ma knowingly participated in the conspiracy and personally profited from the theft by assisting with the transportation of the courier during the operation.
Following the investigation, sheriff’s detectives arrested Ma on July 22 in Pasadena.
Ma appeared in Ventura County Superior Court on July 24, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges filed against him.
The court scheduled an Early Disposition Conference for Aug. 4. Despite objections from prosecutors, the judge ordered Ma released on his own recognizance while the criminal proceedings continue.
Authorities have not announced whether additional suspects have been identified, and investigators continue working to determine the full scope of the alleged fraud operation.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is encouraging anyone who believes they or a family member may have been targeted by a similar scam to contact investigators, noting that prompt reporting may help identify additional victims and prevent future crimes.
Officials also reminded residents that scammers frequently impersonate employees of government agencies, banks or well-known businesses in an effort to gain victims’ trust.
Law enforcement emphasized that legitimate government agencies do not demand immediate cash withdrawals, require people to hand money to couriers or threaten arrest over the telephone to obtain payment.
Investigators said residents should be especially cautious whenever someone pressures them to act immediately, insists on secrecy or discourages them from contacting family members, financial institutions or law enforcement.
Authorities also warned that requests involving unusual forms of payment—including cash pickups, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards or purchases of gold—are common indicators of fraud.
Officials encourage older adults and their families to discuss these scams regularly and verify suspicious requests with trusted relatives or law enforcement before sending money or providing personal information.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office said increasing public awareness remains one of the most effective ways to reduce financial crimes targeting seniors and protect vulnerable members of the community from increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.
