Man accused of attempting $45k online scam arrested in Sevier County

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Sevier County deputies arrested a man after he reportedly tried to swindle a victim out of thousands of dollars.

On September 19, deputies responded to a Kerr Road residence to investigate a possible online scam. According to a sheriff’s office release, the resident had been instructed to withdraw $45,000 in cash and return home for it to be picked up.

Yuanbing Zhou, 47, was arrested during a traffic stop after deputies were able to get a description of the suspect vehicle. He was charged with felony criminal conspiracy and booked into the Sevier County Jail on a $20,000 bond.

This type of scam is very similar to others we have investigated in recent months. I encourage each of you to please spread the word to your neighbors, friends, and family. If you are solicited through ANY means to pay a fine, fee, or money, for any reason, do not comply and contact your local Law Enforcement Agency. Law Enforcement will never call you and solicit money in exchange for jury duty requirements or to keep you from being arrested. I am proud of the teamwork exhibited by our Citizens, Deputies, and Detectives that were responsible for this arrest, but we must remain vigilant in order to prevent these crimes from coming to fruition.

Sevier County Sheriff Michael Hodges Jr.

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