The state’s top prosecutor is warning seniors and their families about a new scam becoming increasingly common across New York.
State Attorney General Letitia James on Friday issued a consumer alert about “gold bar scams,” which target older adults and attempt to convince victims to turn their savings into gold bars that are later collected by couriers.
According to James’ office, the scam often begins with a fake cybersecurity message appearing on a victim’s computer. The message falsely claims the victim’s financial accounts have been compromised or connected to criminal activity.
Scammers then ask for remote access to the victim’s computer and pose as law enforcement officials or other authorities. They pressure victims into converting their savings into gold bars, which a courier is sent to collect.
“Targeting older adults with seemingly legitimate claims that their life savings are in immediate danger is flat-out cruel,” James said in a statement. “Seniors deserve to live comfortably without fear of losing their hard-earned savings to a manipulative scam. I am urging all New Yorkers to beware of these gold bar scams and report suspicious messages related to this scam to my office.”
NYPD investigators have identified more than 100 cases involving the scam over the past two years, according to James’ office. The cases have resulted in about $100 million in losses.
James’ office recommends several steps for anyone who encounters a potential gold bar scam:
- Do not call the phone number provided in a pop-up message.
- Never allow someone you don’t know to remotely access your computer.
- If someone claims there is a problem with your bank account, hang up and call the bank using the number printed on your latest financial statement.
- If you’re unsure what to do, contact a trusted friend or family member and explain what happened.
Complaints can be filed with the New York attorney general’s office online or by calling 1-800-771-7755.
New York City residents who believe they have been a victim of this scam can also contact their local NYPD precinct.
Click Here For The Original Source.
