Chinese National Pleads Guilty in $80,000 Fraud Scheme Targeting Macomb County Senior

Mount Clemens, Mich. – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 28-year-old Guodong Wu pleaded guilty for his role in a sophisticated fraud scheme that targeted a Macomb County senior, resulting in the theft of $80,000 from the victim.

The victim was contacted by a scammer who falsely claimed that money was being laundered from her USAA bank account. She was instructed to withdraw her savings and turn the cash over to a courier who claimed it would be placed in a secure location.

On October 28, 2025, the victim withdrew $30,000 and met the courier in the parking lot of a Fraser Huntington Bank. The following day, the victim withdrew an additional $50,000 and handed it over during a second meeting at a Fraser Starbucks.

The investigation received a break when authorities in another Michigan jurisdiction arrested a suspect involved in a separate fraud scheme. Evidence recovered during that investigation connected Wu to the Macomb County case. Surveillance video from both exchanges identified the courier as Wu and he was identified in a photo lineup.

On April 27, 2026, Wu pled Guilty to False Pretenses - $200 or More But Less Than $1,000, a one-year misdemeanor before Judge James M. Maceroni of the Macomb County Circuit Court.

On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Judge Maceroni sentenced Wu to 116 days with 116 days of credit for time served. In addition to fines and costs, as part of the resolution of the case, the victim received full restitution of the $80,000 lost through the fraud.

Wu is a Chinese national and is currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

"This case demonstrates the devastating financial and emotional harm that fraud schemes inflict on victims, particularly older adults who are deliberately targeted by organized criminal networks," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. "Thanks to the diligent work of our law enforcement partners, the individual responsible was identified, held accountable, and the victim was made financially whole through full restitution. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and to contact law enforcement before handing over money to anyone claiming to be protecting their finances."

As scam attempts continue to rise nationwide, Prosecutor Lucido has made senior fraud prevention a priority for the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office. Through his Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors (SCAMS) presentations, he has brought fraud prevention education directly to communities across Macomb County with one message: Prevent. Protect. Prosecute.

“Protecting our seniors is not just a duty, it is a responsibility,” said Prosecutor Lucido. “Criminals are becoming more sophisticated every day, using technology, artificial intelligence, social media, and fear to steal from hardworking people. Education remains our strongest defense.”

Prosecutor Lucido encourages all seniors, their caregivers and supportive family members to attend a SCAMS presentation. 

Residents have an opportunity this summer to participate in a SCAMS Telephone Town Hall on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

Residents must register through the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office website by noon on the day of the event to receive a call. https://www.macombgov.org/departments/prosecutors-office

Prosecutor Lucido will discuss empowering seniors, their families, and guardians with crucial knowledge to prevent scams and safeguard against exploitation.

Participants can expect:

• Insightful discussions on fraud scams and telemarketing schemes
• Proven strategies to protect against financial exploitation of vulnerable adults
• A live Q&A session to address specific concerns.

Check the Macomb Prosecutor’s website to find a live SCAMS presentation near you. 

The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office reminds residents that no legitimate bank, law enforcement agency, or government entity will ever instruct someone to withdraw cash and hand it to a courier for safekeeping. Anyone receiving such a request should immediately contact their local police department.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All individuals who are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

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