“These people are predators, and we need to stop it. You can help,” Sheriff Kevin Tolson said. “Do not give money over the phone; it is a scam.”
YORK COUNTY, S.C. — A scam operation spanning multiple states ended in an arrest after the York County Sheriff’s Office received a tip from Minnesota.
YCSO said it recovered $43,000 in cash from victims across the country.
A Minnesota woman contacted the sheriff’s office on Dec. 11, saying she had been scammed by someone claiming her son was arrested on drug charges. She was told to send several thousands of dollars in cash to a Fort Mill address to “clear his name” as a result. She realized it was a scam after the fact, and contacted the UPS and YCSO.
Detectives launched an operation, and ultimately identified and stopped a vehicle believed to belong to the suspect. Officials stopped the vehicle and arrested 43-year-old Shulong Li. While searching during the investigation, officers found a large amount of cash and a list of addresses in Fort Mill connected to the scheme.
Officers also found two packages connected to the scam. One had cash, but the other was filled with dog feces. Officers said the second person recognized it was a scam and sent the dog feces in response.
Li is now at the Moss Justice Center on a $55,000 bond, and is facing extradition to Minnesota for other similar charges.
“These people are predators, and we need to stop it. You can help,” Sheriff Kevin Tolson said. “Do not give money over the phone; it is a scam. It will always be a scam.”
The sheriff’s office said no business or government agency will request cash through FedEx, UPS or USPS.
The investigation into the scheme remains active, and anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the York County Sheriff’s Office.
