GAINESVILLE — A 40-year-old Chinese national living in Apopka on an H-1B visa was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for her role in a fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims across Florida, attempting to collect over $95,000 from seniors including one resident of an assisted living community here.
Xin Liu drove to at least six locations throughout Florida between July 22, 2025, and July 30, 2025, to pick up money from elderly victims who had been lured through telephone calls and electronic messages, according to court records. She was paid using a portion of the fraudulently obtained proceeds, and her actions created substantial financial hardship for at least one elderly victim.
“We are unfortunately seeing a rise in the prevalence of elder fraud schemes orchestrated and executed by foreign nationals who target and financially exploit our senior citizens, depleting their life savings and leaving the victims destitute,” said John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “Raising awareness of these threats is vitally important to preventing more seniors from falling prey to these fraudsters and their schemes. Our state and federal law enforcement partners are working hard to identify and dismantle those fraud schemes, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these fraudsters to the fullest extent of the law.”
FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley called the crime a breach of basic decency. “Stealing from seniors is not just a financial crime, it’s a betrayal of trust,” Carley said. “Older Americans should never have to fear being targeted by criminals looking to drain their life savings. This sentence reflects the FBI’s commitment to protecting older Americans and holding those accountable who target them.”
The scheme involved criminals impersonating federal agents to extract money from victims, according to Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells, whose office participated in the investigation. “These criminals preyed on our most vulnerable residents with sophisticated scams, impersonating federal agents to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Wells said. “Thanks to the swift work of our detectives and federal partners, we’ve stopped this operation and prevented further victims.”
Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office, said his agency would continue devoting resources to dismantling criminal activity targeting the elderly. “The abuse of elderly individuals is shameful and one of the most disturbing crimes affecting our nation,” Loecker said. “IRS-CI will continue to work hand-in-hand with our partners and devote resources to protect the vulnerable by dismantling criminal activity that targets elderly victims.”
Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya warned that his city would not tolerate predators who exploit seniors. “Those who prey on our senior citizens for financial gain should know there is no safe haven in Gainesville,” Moya said. “These crimes do more than steal money — they exploit trust, create fear, and can cause significant financial hardship for people who are often living on fixed incomes.”
Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner prosecuted the case, which was investigated jointly by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the Gainesville Police Department. The Justice Department’s National Elder Fraud Hotline — 1-833-FRAUD-11 — is available for victims age 60 or older weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.