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 Cummings Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. The alleged victims’ names were not released.
On October 12, 2023, the couple 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.
The Asian male continually stated “black” to the husband. When the husband asked for identification, the Asian male said he did not have any and showed his empty pockets.
The husband realized he was not talking to a federal agent so he refused to give the box of money. The former asked about a car and the latter said he drove a Toyota.
After the Asian male left, the wife called 911. When Lycoming Regional Police Department officers arrived at the couple’s residence at around 3:38 p.m., the man who called the couple was still on the phone aggressively trying to convince them to give their money to the agent.
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.
While Luo admitted going to the couple’s residence, he claimed he was just looking around the area. The couple positively identified the Penn State student as the Asian male who came to their house and tried to take their money.
Luo was arrested and arraigned on charges of theft and attempt to receive stolen property. He was released from Lycoming County Prison in Williamsport, Lycoming County after posting $20,000 bail.
CONAN Daily 