Portage, Michigan: An 84-year-old resident was allegedly defrauded of $28,000 after scammers used a fake computer virus warning and threats involving pornography to extort money, prompting police to arrest a 23-year-old suspect during an attempted second collection.
According to the Portage Department of Public Safety, Jay Pankajbhai Chavda, originally from India, was arrested in connection with the alleged fraud. He faces charges of larceny by false pretenses involving more than $20,000 and using a computer to commit a crime.
The incident began in late September when the elderly resident encountered pop-up messages warning that the computer had been infected with a virus or malware. The alerts instructed the victim to call a displayed phone number.
The person answering the call allegedly claimed that pornography and other inappropriate material had been discovered on the computer. The caller reportedly threatened possible legal consequences, pressuring the victim into handing over $28,000 in cash to a courier.
However, the demands did not stop after the initial payment. The caller subsequently sought another $28,000, prompting the victim to approach local police for assistance.
Detectives coordinated with the resident to arrange a meeting on October 19, when the additional payment was expected to be collected. Instead of receiving the money, the suspect encountered law enforcement officers and was arrested.
The case highlights how cybercriminals exploit fear, embarrassment and threats of legal action to pressure victims into making immediate payments. Fraudsters may use alarming pop-ups and impersonate authorities to make fabricated claims appear credible.
Cybersecurity experts generally advise users to avoid calling numbers displayed in unsolicited security alerts or allowing unknown callers to access their devices. Anyone concerned about a possible infection should contact a trusted technician through independently verified contact details.
People facing threats demanding cash should contact law enforcement and seek assistance from someone they trust rather than complying with the demands.
