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REDLANDS, Calif. (March 20, 2025) — A 53-year-old El Monte man was arrested this week on charges of fraud and elder abuse after allegedly scamming a 73-year-old Redlands man out of $25,000 and attempting to collect an additional $35,000 the following day, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as Quan Lin, was taken into custody Tuesday as he arrived at the victim’s residence, according to a March 20 new release from the Redlands Police Department.
According to police, the scheme began on March 17 when the victim received a phone call from someone posing as an FBI agent. The caller falsely claimed that the victim had child pornography on his computer and would be arrested unless he provided $25,000 in cash to a courier. Following the caller’s instructions, the victim withdrew the money from his bank, placed it in an envelope, and handed it over to the suspect.
The next day, the scammer contacted the victim again, this time demanding an additional $35,000 under the pretense of outstanding FBI warrants. Before complying, the victim alerted Redlands Police, who worked with him to intercept the suspect before the transaction could take place.
Lin was set to appear in court on March 20 on charges including crimes against an elder or dependent adult, grand theft, and theft by false pretenses. His bail is set at $250,000.
Authorities believe Lin may be linked to similar scams in other communities. The investigation remains ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information about Lin or related incidents to contact Detective Eric Strobaugh at (909) 798-7659 or by email at estrobaugh@redlandspolice.org.
Separate Fraud Case Under Investigation
Redlands Police are also investigating a separate elder fraud case reported earlier this month. On Thursday, March 6, a 74-year-old woman told officers she was scammed out of $21,000 by a man who claimed to have a federal court order. The victim withdrew the cash and met the suspect in a grocery store parking lot, where he took the money and drove away in a light blue Tesla, promising to return with a cashier’s check.
No arrests have been announced in that case, and police are continuing their investigation.
The FBI warns that millions of elderly Americans fall victim to financial fraud each year. Authorities encourage residents to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited calls, particularly those demanding money, gift cards, or valuables. Law enforcement officers will never request payment to avoid arrest, officials said.
Redlands Police urge residents to report suspicious activity by calling dispatch at (909) 798-7681, ext. 1, or using the city’s 311 mobile app. Certain non-emergency crimes can also be reported online at www.cityofredlands.org/report-crime.
