An active investigation is underway in Southern California for a missing man that police are calling a “suspicious disappearance.” 

Investigators with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department have shared new details in their efforts to find Naiping Hou, a 74-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga.

He was reported missing by his family on May 4, 2025, according to authorities. 

Investigators discovered “extensive fraudulent activity” in Hou’s bank accounts around the time he disappeared.

The family of Naiping Hou is offering a $250,000 reward as authorities delve into a suspicious disappearance involving identity theft and impersonation. (Findnaipinghou.com)

The family later learned that several of Naiping Hou’s bank accounts had been emptied, with over $1 million missing.

“Funds were being transferred out to purchase gold online,” Wen Hou explained, noting that his father’s accounts were also utilized to acquire cryptocurrency and substantial gold bars. “He’s not tech-savvy at all, so I don’t know how he could’ve done any of that himself.”

“We’re really worried, and we really want my dad back,” he continued. 

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is asking the public for help to find Naiping Hou. He is described as an Asian male, 5’7″ tall, weighing approximately 170 pounds. He has black hair, black eyes, and has a birthmark on his left upper shoulder.

Additionally, investigators are seeking information about a silver Toyota Yaris in connection with Nai Ping Hou’s disappearance.

“There’s been a significant amount of unauthorized activity in his bank accounts,” Mara Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s department told KABC. “We’re deeply concerned for his well-being and focused on bringing him home safely.”

According to a website dedicated to the search for Naiping Hou, he is originally from China and is a husband, father, and grandfather who is semi-retired. He is said to spend his time “woodworking, playing ping pong at a local recreation center, and staying active in his community.”

“The Hou family has long been committed to hard work, family values, and giving back—making generous contributions to education and public safety organizations as part of their dedication to helping others,” a statement on the website reads. 

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Detective Vanayes Quezada, Specialized Investigations Division, at (909) 890-4848. 

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com