BRANFORD — In a concerted effort to crack down on a wave of text-based scams, the Branford Police Department issued a community alert today and announced the arrest of a New York man suspected of involvement in the fraudulent scheme.
Authorities have cautioned residents about the dangers of engaging with unsolicited text messages that begin with a seemingly innocuous “Hello.”
These messages, police explained, are a gateway for scammers to establish fake relationships and manipulate individuals into providing financial assistance or investing in non-existent opportunities.
Earlier today, Sept. 27, Branford police took 31-year-old Wenjie He of Fresh Meadows, New York, into custody.
He was charged with first-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny, first-degree telephone fraud, and conspiracy to commit first-degree telephone fraud.
He is being held on a $200,000 bond.
The arrest came as part of an ongoing investigation into the scam, which revealed that He allegedly acted as a courier, traveling to collect large sums of money under false pretenses.
These funds were believed to be earmarked for further criminal activities.
The scam typically unfolds with the victim receiving an unsolicited “Hello” text, followed by a calculated effort by the scammer to build trust, often posing as a friend, romantic partner, or business associate.
Once a relationship is established, the scammer requests financial aid or information, and in some instances, dispatches couriers to collect cash from the victim directly.
To combat these scams, the Branford Police Department urges residents to avoid engaging with unknown senders, never send money or personal information, and to report any suspicious messages or activities to the authorities at 203-481-4241.
The police are actively pursuing leads to identify and apprehend other individuals connected to this scheme and are seeking the public’s cooperation to prevent further victimization within the community.
