https://www.wtae.com/article/allegheny-county-police-file-charges-2-individuals-laudering-money-phone-scam/63024576

Allegheny County police have filed charges against two individuals accused of laundering money through a phone scam.

In a Facebook post Tuesday, the police department said it was requested by Crafton Borough police on Nov. 21 to assist in a fraud investigation in which a 71-year-old woman said she received a call from two individuals claiming to be the Amazon fraud department.

The woman said she was told her profile was linked to "more than $360,000 in illegal purchases" and was urged to empty her bank account in order to protect her profile.

Police said the individuals involved in the scam identified themselves as federal law enforcement officials, telling the woman to use the money from her account to purchase gold coins.

Once purchased, the post said, the woman was told she would be given a check to open a new account in exchange for the gold coins.

On Nov. 22, detectives and assisting agents with the FBI worked with the woman to conduct an operation targeting the individuals involved with the scam.

Officials arrested two individuals, identified as 34-year-old Shuai Jiao and 35-year-old Daxue Yang of California.

Both are facing multiple charges, including theft by unlawful taking and financial exploitation. They are now being held in the Allegheny County Jail.