CONCORD, NH (MyKeeneNow) — Authorities have leveled additional charges against a New York man accused of orchestrating a bank impersonation scam targeting a 77-year-old Richmond resident.

Wenhua Zhuo, 48, of Flushing, N.Y., now faces a new indictment from a Cheshire County Grand Jury for theft by deception in connection with the scam. According to court documents, the scheme began when an unidentified individual, posing as a representative from a bank’s fraud department, contacted the victim—identified only as B.B.—and falsely claimed that his financial account had been compromised.

According to a press release from the N.H. Attorney General’s office, the caller instructed B.B. to withdraw $20,000 in cash and hand it over to a courier, who was allegedly Zhuo. On July 15, Zhuo is accused of traveling to B.B.’s home and collecting a package containing $1,500, which the victim believed was necessary to secure his account.

Zhuo was previously indicted for attempting to collect additional money from B.B. the following day. His arraignment on the latest charges is scheduled for Jan. 8, 2025, at Cheshire County Superior Court.

Investigators believe Zhuo played a critical role in the scam by acting as the in-person courier while working alongside unidentified accomplices, the release said. The indictment alleges that Zhuo knowingly participated in creating a false impression that deceived B.B. into handing over the cash.

Zhuo’s earlier arrest in July followed the first indictment on charges of attempted theft by deception. He was initially scheduled for arraignment on Nov. 7, but the case has since expanded with the additional charges brought against him.

New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable populations from financial exploitation. “Scams like this prey on trust and fear, often leaving victims devastated. We are committed to holding those responsible accountable,” Formella said.

The case is being handled by Investigator Calice Couchman-Ducey from the Attorney General’s Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit, with assistance from the Cheshire County Sheriff’s Office. Prosecutors Nancy A. DeAngelis and Bryan J. Townsend II are leading the prosecution.

Elderly individuals and their families are urged to remain vigilant against scams of this nature. Anyone who suspects they or someone they know may have been a victim of elder abuse or financial exploitation should contact local law enforcement or the New Hampshire Bureau of Adult and Aging Services at 800-949-0470.