Naiping Hou, a 74-year-old from Southern California, disappeared in May. His empty house and cryptic text messages led family to suspect kidnapping. A welfare check on May 4 revealed signs aligned with this theory. Investigators found extensive fraudulent transactions draining Hou's bank accounts. Unknown individuals allegedly used his phone to impersonate him in family communications. His son, Wen Hou, noted robotic texts and an unusual response to a birthday gift raised concerns. Leads are being pursued, including a silver Toyota Yaris linked to the case, while attempts to sell Hou's vehicles and rent his home were reported.
"Furthermore, investigators believe Mr. Hou's cellular phone was used by an unknown individual (s) who impersonated him to communicate with family members," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
"The reason it took so long [to realize Naiping was missing] is because whoever took him, used his phone to impersonate him," Wen Hou said in a video shared with the public.
Naiping Hou's bank accounts showed extensive fraudulent transactions, which drained approximately $1 million from his retirement savings.
Investigators are following several leads in Naiping Hou's case, including a silver Toyota Yaris connected to his disappearance.
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