Charlotte man charged in $22,000 scam targeting elderly Rutherford resident

Deputies say the victim handed over cash after a caller threatened him with arrest.

A Charlotte man faces charges after authorities say an elderly Rutherford County resident paid $22,000 in cash to avoid a threatened arrest.

Dong Feng was arrested Nov. 11 in Cabarrus County and charged with extortion and obtaining property by false pretenses, according to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators said a family member reported the scam Nov. 4. The victim received a call from a man claiming there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest and demanding money for bond. Authorities said the victim delivered $22,000 to the individual at the Family Dollar in Green Hill.

Detectives identified Feng and transported him to the Rutherford County Detention Center after his arrest.

The sheriff’s office said Feng, identified as a Chinese national, received a $175,000 secured bond. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer was also placed on him.

Authorities reminded residents that law enforcement will never call demanding money to avoid arrest or instruct someone to deliver cash or pay through a cryptocurrency ATM.

Anyone receiving such a call should hang up and contact law enforcement directly.

The charges are allegations. Feng is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.