A Chinese national living in Apopka has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for his role in an elder fraud scheme that targeted seniors across Florida, federal prosecutors announced.
Xin Liu, 40, of Gainesville, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for his role in the scheme, said John P. Heekin, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
According to federal court records, Mr. Liu, who resided in the U.S. on an H-1B visa, participated in a scam using telephone calls and electronic messages that targeted elderly victims. According to prosecutors, Liu drove to at least six locations in Florida between July 22, 2025 and July 30, 2025 to collect money from victims.
One of the victims lived in an assisted living community for seniors in Gainesville.
Prosecutors said Mr. Liu tried to collect more than $95,000 from his victims and was paid with a portion of the ill-gotten proceeds. Her actions caused significant financial hardship to at least one elderly victim.
“Unfortunately, elder fraud schemes orchestrated and carried out by foreign nationals are widespread, targeting and financially exploiting seniors, draining their savings and leaving their victims in extreme poverty,” Hikin said.
Hikin said raising awareness is important to prevent more seniors from becoming victims, and said his office will continue to work with state and federal law enforcement to prosecute elder fraud cases.
“Theft from the elderly is not just an economic crime, it is a betrayal of trust,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Curley. “Older Americans should never fear being targeted by criminals looking to eat away at their savings.”
Ron Rocker, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Florida Field Office, called elder abuse “disgraceful” and said IRS-CI will continue to work with law enforcement partners to dismantle criminal activity that targets vulnerable victims.
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells said the scammers impersonated federal agents and used sophisticated fraud to steal money from vulnerable residents.
“Thanks to the quick action of detectives and federal partners, we were able to halt this operation and prevent further victims,” Wells said.
Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya said criminals targeting seniors for financial gain should know that “there is no safe haven in Gainesville.”
“These crimes don’t just steal money, they abuse trust, create fear and can cause significant financial hardship for people who are often living on fixed incomes,” Moya said.
The investigation involved the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and Gainesville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner prosecuted the case.
Federal authorities recommend anyone age 60 or older who has experienced financial fraud to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET and provides assistance in English, Spanish, and other languages.
Complaints regarding elder fraud may also be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling 877-FTC-HELP.
