Lake County, IL – Two men were arrested September 29 after allegedly scamming an 80-year-old Green Oaks woman out of $17,000, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives said the victim initially received a fraudulent PayPal email claiming she had made a $760 purchase. When she called the provided number, scammers allegedly gained access to her bank accounts. They later convinced her to withdraw $17,000 in cash, claiming PayPal had “refunded” too much money.
According to investigators, the victim met with a man identified as Danny Paio, 29, of New York, at a senior living center in Green Oaks. Paio allegedly took the cash while accompanied by Chul Paik, 44, of New Jersey, who drove the rental car used in the scheme.
Sheriff’s detectives used Flock license plate readers to identify the suspects’ vehicle. On September 29, Elmhurst Police conducted a traffic stop after spotting the car. Inside, detectives said they found more than $16,000, believed to be linked to another fraudulent pickup. Both Paio and Paik were arrested and charged with two counts of theft.
Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg called the case “another reminder of how far criminals will go to target and exploit vulnerable victims.” Both suspects remain held at the Lake County Jail pending an initial court hearing.
Officials reminded residents that legitimate businesses and government agencies will never request cash withdrawals or wire transfers to resolve billing disputes. Anyone receiving suspicious calls or emails is urged to verify details directly with the company.
