A 49-year-old Warren man is facing multiple criminal charges for allegedly scamming a Waterford senior citizen out of more than $40,000.

Mohammad Abdul Ali Gazi is charged with one count each of obtaining money through false pretenses and attempting to obtain money through false pretenses, and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime.

According to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, Gazi is accused of being part of a ruse where the victim was contacted on the phone by someone falsely claiming to be a McAfee Computer Security representative who told her that funds had been mistakenly deposited in her account. On three occasions the victim followed the scammer’s instructions and withdrew money from her account, then turned it over to a man police later identified as Gazi. The amount given to Gazi was in excess of $40,000, the prosecutor’s office alleges.

After the alleged victim was contacted a fourth time, she became suspicious and called police; Gazi was subsequently apprehended as part of a sting operation, the prosecutor’s office said.

He was arraigned on May 11 and bond was set at $500,000.

“Scammers attempt to exploit people’s trust and goodwill, especially seniors,” Prosecutor Karen McDonald stated in a news release. “I encourage everyone to be cautious of unsolicited calls or texts that seem suspicious. Trust your gut and never give away personal information to unverified callers. If you’re unsure, call the police.”

If convicted of false pretenses, Gazi faces up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine. Using a computer to commit a crime is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine, and attempted false pretenses carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.

Gazi’s held in the Oakland County Jail, and his next court appearance is scheduled for May 20 for a probable cause conference in 51st District Court. A preliminary exam is scheduled for a week later.