A Chinese national living in Apopka has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for her role in an elder fraud scheme that targeted seniors across Florida, federal prosecutors announced.
Xin Liu, 40, was sentenced in Gainesville to 27 months in federal prison for her participation in the scheme, according to John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Federal court records show Liu, who was residing in the United States on an H-1B visa, took part in a fraud operation that used phone calls and electronic messages to target elderly victims. Prosecutors said that between July 22, 2025, and July 30, 2025, Liu drove to at least six locations across Florida to pick up money from victims.
One of the victims lived in an assisted living community for seniors in Gainesville.
According to prosecutors, Liu attempted to collect more than $95,000 from the victims and was paid with a portion of the fraudulently obtained money. Her actions caused substantial financial hardship for at least one elderly victim.
“We are unfortunately seeing a rise in the prevalence of elder fraud schemes orchestrated and executed by foreign nationals who target and financially exploit our senior citizens, depleting their life savings and leaving the victims destitute,” Heekin said.
Heekin said raising awareness is critical to preventing more seniors from becoming victims and said his office will continue working with state and federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute elder fraud cases.
“Stealing from seniors is not just a financial crime, it’s a betrayal of trust,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “Older Americans should never have to fear being targeted by criminals looking to drain their life savings.”
Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Florida Field Office called elder abuse “shameful” and said IRS-CI will continue working with law enforcement partners to dismantle criminal operations targeting vulnerable victims.
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells said the fraudsters impersonated federal agents and used sophisticated scams to steal money from vulnerable residents.
“Thanks to the swift work of our detectives and federal partners, we’ve stopped this operation and prevented further victims,” Wells said.
Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya said criminals who target seniors for financial gain should know “there is no safe haven in Gainesville.”
“These crimes do more than steal money—they exploit trust, create fear, and can cause significant financial hardship for people who are often living on fixed incomes,” Moya said.
The investigation involved the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the Gainesville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner prosecuted the case.
Federal officials encourage anyone age 60 or older who has experienced financial fraud to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11, or 1-833-372-8311. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time and offers assistance in English, Spanish and other languages.
Elder fraud complaints may also be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling 877-FTC-HELP.
