News 12 has exclusively learned that a Howell Township couple lost tens of thousands of dollars to a financial scam before turning to police, who set up a sting operation that led to the arrest of two suspects.

Howell Township police identified the suspects as Wei Zheng and Qiufen Chen, who were apprehended on I-195 after leaving the victims' home, where they had expected to collect another payment. Instead, officers were waiting. Police said the scam began with a phishing attempt, using fake PayPal screens and emails to deceive the couple into handing over large sums of money over several weeks.

Chief John Storrow, of the Howell Township Police Department, said, "We have information that we've garnered from the investigation. We have their cellphones. We have locations, so we are continuing the investigation and think it will lead to something more ‘bigger picture.’"

The suspects are charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy. Authorities believe they are part of a larger criminal ring. Police are asking anyone who recognizes the men or may have been contacted by them to call the Howell Township Police Department at 732-938-4111.