ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. \u2014 A local jewelry store is mixed up in a three-state sting that authorities say was part of a \u201cgold bar scam.\u201d<\/p>\n
Authorities in three states conducted a series of raids this week to dismantle an organized scam targeting elderly victims. <\/p>\n
The investigation involved coordinated law enforcement actions in Florida, Georgia, and Texas.<\/p>\n
The probe centers on a network of scammers who allegedly pose as law enforcement officers to pressure victims into buying gold bars for \u201csafekeeping.\u201d <\/p>\n
Investigators used digital forensics to track the gold to three different businesses, including a refinery in Altamonte Springs.<\/p>\n
In Central Florida, the investigation focused on the Orlando Gold Refinery in Altamonte Springs.<\/p>\n
Investigators arrived at the Seminole County business on Wednesday after months of digital forensics and coordinated work between multiple agencies led them to that location.<\/p>\n
The Collin County Sheriff\u2019s Office in Texas reported that the scammers primarily targeted senior citizens.<\/p>\n
According to investigators, the suspects posed as law enforcement officers and claimed the victims\u2019 money was in danger, using high-pressure tactics to convince them to purchase gold bars.<\/p>\n
Once the victims purchased the gold, they were told to hand the bars over to the scammers for \u201csafekeeping.\u201d <\/p>\n
Authorities say the criminal network then transported the gold to businesses such as the Altamonte Springs refinery for processing.<\/p>\n
Investigators say the gold was melted down at these locations to hide its origin. <\/p>\n
This step in the operation was designed to make the stolen assets untraceable before they were moved further through the network.<\/p>\n
See more in the video above.<\/p>\n
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