LCSO Warrant Leads to Sentencing in Nationwide Gift Card Scam

Following a collaborative investigation involving the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, the Organized Crime and Intelligence Bureau of the Fairfax County Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and retail partners, Wencai Zhuang, 29, a Chinese national, has been sentenced in Loudoun County following his first conviction in connection with a nationwide gift card scam.  

The investigation linked Zhuang to over $700,000 in fraudulent gift card redemptions between August 2024 and January 2025, with more than 75 victims identified nationwide through coordination with investigative teams from Target. 

Zhuang was arrested in December 2024 in Salem, New Hampshire, on a warrant obtained by the LCSO, after a Loudoun resident was defrauded out of $5,000 through fraudulent gift card transactions.

On April 3, 2025, Zhuang pleaded guilty in Loudoun County Circuit Court to Obtaining Money by False Pretenses. On May 8, 2025, he was sentenced to 12 months in jail, with all but time served suspended.  

Federal authorities and the Loudoun County Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney are working to liquidate seized assets and provide restitution to the Loudoun victim. 

“Criminals using the gift card scam continue to prey on some of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman. “Thanks to the diligent work of the LCSO and the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney, in coordination with our law enforcement and private sector partners, we were able to hold this criminal accountable and send a message to others like him.” 

The LCSO reminds residents to be cautious of anyone requesting payment via gift cards, especially from unsolicited calls or messages. Report any suspicious activity to 703-771-1021.