Pennsylvania State Police are warning residents about a sophisticated fraud scheme in which scammers impersonate federal law-enforcement officers and pressure victims to turn over gold, cash or other valuables.
Investigators say the scheme often begins with a pop-up on a victim’s computer. The victim is then contacted by someone claiming that the person’s identity or Social Security number has been connected to criminal activity. The caller may say bank accounts or personal information have been compromised and direct the victim to withdraw money, buy gold bars or coins, and give the gold to a courier for supposed safekeeping.
State Police say approximately $6.5 million has been stolen through the scheme. Identified victims live in several states, including Maryland and Washington, and investigators believe other victims may not yet have come forward.
Two people were taken into custody after State Police stopped an alleged courier vehicle on Interstate 80 in Union County on September 10th. Investigators identified a silver 2025 Honda Accord with California registration 9TTS143 in connection with the case.
Anyone who was instructed to purchase or provide gold to a courier during August or September is asked to contact Trooper Eric Dreisbach at 570-560-0625 and reference incident PA 2026-1166513.
State Police emphasize that a legitimate law-enforcement agency will not demand gold, cash or cryptocurrency to prevent an arrest or protect funds. Residents who receive that kind of demand should stop communicating with the caller, avoid transferring money or valuables, and contact police through a verified public number.
