PENNSYLVANIA (WENY) — Be on the lookout for an elaborate scam forcing people to turn over their life savings in gold.
Pennsylvania State Police have been investigating the scam since early September, when they intercepted a gray Honda carrying around $200,000 in gold bars on I-80.
The scam works by first appearing as a pop-up on a victim’s computer. They are then contacted by people claiming to be federal officials. They say that the victim’s identity or social security number has been connected to criminal activity and that their bank accounts or personal information has been compromised.
Finally, the scammers have the victim withdraw money from their accounts and purchase gold bars or coins, then turn the gold over to a ‘courier’ for safekeeping. Over the past few months, this has taken the form of the victim meeting scammers driving a silver 2025 Honda Accord and handing over the gold.
There is absolutely no legitimate federal investigation that requires you to buy gold and then give it away.
PSP has determined that almost $6.5 million has been stolen so far, and that the amount could be even higher. They have determined incidents that have occurred in Maryland, Washington, and throughout Pennsylvania.
If you or anyone you know has had this happen to them, PSP asks that you reach out and let them know so they can work to resolve the theft. You can contact PSP Trooper Eric Dreisbach at 570-560-0625 with any information about the scam.