March 19, 2026

Gold Bar Scams Targeting Seniors

If anyone tells you to buy precious metals and hand them over to a stranger, you are being scammed.

Fraudsters posing as federal agents, bank representatives, or tech support are convincing seniors to convert their savings into gold — then sending couriers to collect it.

How It Works

  1. 1 You receive a call, email, or pop-up claiming your accounts are compromised or you owe money
  2. 2 You are told to buy gold to “protect” your funds or “return” money — urgently and in secret
  3. 3 A courier arrives at your home to collect the gold and disappears with your life savings

Warning Signs

  • ▶ Someone tells you to act immediately and keep it secret
  • ▶ A “government official” or “bank representative” directs you to buy gold
  • ▶ You are told not to tell your family, bank, or anyone else
  • ▶ A stranger is coming to your home to pick up gold or cash
  • ▶ You feel frightened or pressured to decide quickly

Remember

✓ No legitimate government agency will ever ask you to buy gold
✓ No real bank will send a courier to collect gold from your home
✓ Hang up. Call a family member or your bank at their official number
✓ It is never too late to stop — even mid-transaction

National Elder Fraud Hotline

1-833-FRAUD-11

Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm ET  ·  English, Spanish & other languages  ·  U.S. Department of Justice

Also report to

FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
FBI: ic3.gov
DOJ: justice.gov/elderjustice