Gold Bar Scam Alert – New Version of Phantom Hacker Scam
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Financial Crimes Unit and Capital District Office is warning about the Gold Bar Scam, a new version of the Phantom Hacker Scam.
This new scam targets the older adult population. Scammers are still posing as Federal Agents but are now asking victims to turn their assets into GOLD BARS. Once the victim purchases gold bars, they are contacted and told an agent acting as a courier will meet them and pick up the gold to take it to a secure location. Once the handoff is made, couriers take the gold, and the victim never sees the gold again.
Be Suspicious
Have you received a text, email, or phone call from someone claiming to be a local, state, or federal law enforcement agent? Have these so-called agents told you that your retirement or other important financial accounts have been hacked and need to be safeguarded? Have you been told to convert assets into gold bars? Have you been told a Federal Agent courier will meet you at a specific location to pick up the gold from you?
Remember to S.T.O.P.
- S: STOP – Scrutinize the correspondence and look for red flags that may indicate a scam.
- T: TIME – Scammers will focus on this action being time-sensitive, so take your time to verify the legitimacy of the request.
- O: OBJECT – No law enforcement agent, whether Federal, State, or Local, will contact you and tell you to convert assets for safekeeping.
- P: PAUSE – Before committing to anything suspicious, contact your local law enforcement agency to verify all information.
If you feel you have been victimized by this scam, contact your local police department or sheriff’s office.
Note: Original Content Courtesy of the Montgomery County Police Department, Financial Crimes Unit in Gaithersburg, Maryland
