STAMFORD, CT — The Stamford Police Financial Crimes Unit is warning the public about scammers instructing victims, many of whom are senior citizens, to liquidate their assets into cash and buy gold, silver or other precious metals to protect their funds.
Criminals then arrange for couriers to meet the victims in person to pick up the cash or precious metals.
In 2025 alone, Americans reported over $300 million in losses from gold courier scams across approximately 725 complaints.
Criminals impersonate U.S. government officials, financial institutions, technology companies or technical support representatives.
Victims are falsely informed that their bank accounts, investments or other financial assets have been compromised or are at risk of being compromised.
Scammers then convince victims that the only way to protect their money is to convert their assets into cash and purchase precious metals such as gold or silver.
No federal or local government will ever ask you to convert currency and provide cash or gold to anyone.
Anyone who does this is scamming you.
If you or someone you know has been scammed, call your local law enforcement and report the scam to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
