A Lynden Police Department patrol vehicle in Lynden, Washington. Photo by Fernando Gonzalez/Bellingham Metro News.
LYNDEN, Wash. — A 30-year-old Lynnwood man was arrested Monday after Lynden police said an investigation into an alleged online scam targeting a local resident led officers to arrange a sting operation.
The Lynden Police Department identified the man as Ren Lu. Police said Lu was arrested at approximately 1 p.m. Sept. 14 on suspicion of Theft in the First Degree, involving an alleged value of more than $5,000, and Conspiracy to Commit Theft in the First Degree.
According to police, the investigation involved a Lynden resident who was allegedly instructed to withdraw two large sums of cash and provide the money to a courier posing as a federal agent.
Police said the resident was also instructed to purchase a significant number of gift cards and provide the card numbers. The alleged scam resulted in a total reported financial loss of approximately $60,000.
As the investigation continued, officers arranged a sting operation involving what Lu allegedly believed would be another large cash pickup.
Police said Lu arrived at a predetermined location to collect what he allegedly believed was an additional large sum of cash from the victim. Officers took him into custody at the location.
Lynden Police Chief Jeremy Bos said in the department’s release that the information was being made public both to show the department’s continued efforts to protect the community and to remind residents to remain alert to ongoing online and telephone scams.
Lynden Police Department notified Bellingham Metro News about the arrest on Tuesday.
Bellingham Metro News will continue following the case as additional information becomes available.
Editor’s note: Information in this report is based on a Sept. 15 release from the Lynden Police Department. The allegations described in this story have not been proven in court. All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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