Xin Liu, a 40-year-old Chinese national residing in Apopka, Florida, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for her involvement in an elder fraud scheme that targeted senior citizens across Florida. The sentencing was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Court records reveal that Liu, who was in the U.S. on an H-1B visa, participated in a scheme that used telephone calls and electronic messages to defraud elderly victims. Between July 22, 2025, and July 30, 2025, Liu drove to at least six locations throughout Florida, including an assisted living community in Gainesville, to collect money from the victims. She attempted to pick up over $95,000 and received a portion of these fraudulently obtained proceeds, causing substantial financial hardship for at least one victim.
United States Attorney Heekin emphasized the rising threat of elder fraud schemes orchestrated by foreign nationals, stating, “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.” He added that his office would continue to aggressively prosecute these fraudsters.
FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley condemned the crime, saying, “Stealing from seniors is not just a financial crime, it’s a betrayal of trust.” Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office, echoed this sentiment, calling the abuse of elderly individuals "shameful." Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells noted that criminals impersonated federal agents in these sophisticated scams. Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya affirmed that those who prey on seniors for financial gain will find "no safe haven in Gainesville."
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gainesville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner prosecuted the case. The Justice Department encourages anyone age 60 or older who has experienced financial fraud to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11.