Branford police arrest alleged text scammer

BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Have you received a “Hello” text from a stranger? A 31-year-old New York man is one of the people behind the scam, according to Branford police.

Wenjie He, of Fresh Meadows, 31, worked as a courier as part of a criminal enterprise, according to police. He has been charged with first-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny, first-degree telephone fraud and conspiracy to commit first-degree telephone fraud. He is being held on a $200,000 bond.

The scam He was a part of starts off with a “Hello” text message, and then builds to try and fake friendships and romances with victims, according to police. From there, scammers try to convince the victims to invest in fake businesses or send them money. His involvement was allegedly to collect the money from the victims.

He was arrested on Friday. Police said they plan to make other arrests.

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