Renze Luo, 22, is attending the Pennsylvania State University in State College, Centre County, Pennsylvania, United States. He hails from China.
Luo is accused of trying to scam money from a couple living in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. The alleged victims' names were not released.
According to the couple, they received a message on their computer that it had been hacked. When they called the telephone number that was provided, it was answered by a man with an Indian accent who identified himself as Ronnie Chase.
The man asked the couple to withdraw all their money and provide it to a federal agent who would be coming to their residence. The money would be deposited back into their bank account after it was cleaned, the man claimed.
Throughout the day, the man stayed on the phone with the couple, telling them the agent would use the code word "black". The couple followed the man's directions, which included putting their money in a box.
As directed by the man on the phone, the husband walked outside to meet the agent. Outside the house, the husband encountered an Asian male wearing a blue surgical mask, a black shirt and black pants.
When the husband asked for identification, the Asian male said he did not have any and showed his empty pockets. That was when the husband realized he was not talking to a federal agent so he refused to give the box of money.
The husband asked about a car and the Asian male said he drove a Toyota and ffter the latter left, the couple called 911. When Lycoming Regional Police Department officers arrived at the couple's residence, the man who called them was still on the phone trying to convince them to hand their money.
Subsequently, police officers in Woodward Township, Clinton County, Pennsylvania stopped a Toyota driven by Luo, who was wearing blue surgical masks. He produced an expired Pennsylvania driver's license.
Luo admitted going to the couple's residence but claimed he was just looking around the area. He was arrested and arraigned on charges of theft and attempt to receive stolen property.
After posting $20,000 bail, Luo was released from jail.
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