A Chinese citizen residing in California has pleaded guilty to federal charges for her role in an international fraud ring that stole approximately $1.2 million from elderly victims across the United States.
Jing Guo pleaded guilty in a Los Angeles federal court on Tuesday, January 27, acknowledging her part in a sophisticated scam that defrauded more than 40 individuals, most of whom were senior citizens. The plea concludes a significant portion of a long-running investigation into a call center operation that targeted older Americans as early as May 2025.
This Is How Victims Were Scammed
Guo and her co-conspirators often posed as technical support representatives from legitimate companies, contacting victims to falsely warn that their computers or online accounts were compromised. The fraudsters then demanded payment for unnecessary repairs or software.
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In another common scheme, the perpetrators impersonated bank officials through phone calls, texts, and emails. They pressured victims into revealing confidential financial information or making urgent wire transfers to supposedly “secure” accounts controlled by the criminals. Some victims were told they were due a refund and were tricked into providing bank details to receive it.
Guo’s guilty plea revealed her direct involvement beyond call center operations. She confessed to personally meeting with victims to collect cash payments. After taking her cut, she funneled the remaining illicit proceeds to other members of the criminal network.
U.S. District Judge Linda López is scheduled to sentence Guo on April 27 at 10:00 a.m. She now faces substantial prison time for her crimes.
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Authorities are continuing to pursue other individuals connected to the fraud ring. The U.S. Department of Justice urges any potential victims to come forward by contacting: the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
