BOISE – The Idaho Department of Finance (IDOF) has issued a warning to the public about scams involving the purchase and delivery of gold and other precious metals. Scammers are deceiving victims into believing their identity, computer, or financial accounts have been compromised, leading them to purchase and deliver gold or precious metals under false pretenses.
According to the IDOF, these scams often involve illicit actors convincing victims that they are part of a criminal situation. Victims are directed to purchase physical gold or precious metals to protect their assets. They are then instructed to deliver these items to couriers posing as government officials, financial professionals, or tech support staff. The couriers, acting on behalf of the scammers, take possession of the gold and transport it, completing the scam.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports that victims lost over $55 million to scams involving cash and precious metal couriers in the last eight months of 2023. Many of the victims are seniors, who are tricked into believing their funds will be safeguarded when, in fact, they are being stolen.
Idahoans are advised to be vigilant and watch for the following red flags:
- Unsolicited computer pop-up messages claiming you have been hacked or calls/texts from unknown government officials or business professionals claiming you are a victim of identity theft or involved in a crime.
- Instructions to liquidate assets into gold or precious metals to protect the assets or as collateral for a government investigation.
- Frequent contact from a new acquaintance via text or phone, instructing you to purchase gold or precious metals and meet a courier.
- Instructions to authenticate the delivery of gold or precious metals using a passcode.
- Claims from supposed business professionals or government officials that they will safeguard your assets in a protected account.
To protect yourself from these scams, the IDOF suggests:
- Being skeptical of anyone claiming to be from the U.S. Government or a legitimate business who directs you to purchase gold or precious metals for your safety or protection.
- Not sharing personal information with unknown contacts via phone, text, or the internet.
- Avoiding unsolicited computer pop-ups, text message links, or email links/attachments.
- Not contacting unknown telephone numbers from pop-ups, text messages, or emails.
- Never giving unknown individuals access to your computer or downloading software from unknown contacts.
“Idahoans should be distrustful of anyone requesting the purchase of physical gold or precious metals for government or business purposes,” said IDOF Director Patricia Perkins. “These scams are conducted by sophisticated illicit actors and organized crime groups, and it is vital for Idahoans to be diligent and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.”
If you believe you are a victim of or involved in a potential physical gold or precious metal scam, report it immediately to the IDOF Securities Bureau, local police, and the FBI’s Internet Crimes Complaint Center (IC3).
For more information, visit the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov