HONOLULU (KHON2) — Several national outlets are covering a relatively new scam in which kūpuna, and sometimes younger people, are scammed into purchasing gold bars and sending them for safe keeping. KHON2.com did a bit of digging to find out what the story is and how you can protect yourself and your family.
Here’s what we found: When Kris Owen lost his wife, he thought his hardest days were behind him. Instead, he became the target of a complex scam that cost him $80,000 and nearly his peace of mind.
This is what happened: A pop-up warning on his computer led him into a scheme where fraudsters convinced him to buy gold bars and hand them off to a stranger in a parking lot. They told him it was to protect his identity. They were lying.
How the scam works: This scam is one of many now making the rounds across the country. Victims are told their money is at risk. They are then told that the safest place for their gold is with a federal agent. A stranger comes to collect it, and the gold is never seen again.
Here’s what you need to know to avoid falling for it:
1. Pop-up warnings are traps
Pop-ups that say your computer is infected or your accounts are compromised are not coming from real security companies or government agencies. These messages are designed to scare you.
Closing the browser window or restarting your computer is your best move. Never call a number shown in a pop-up. That’s how the scam starts.
2. Real agents don’t ask for gold
No real government employee will ever ask you to withdraw money, buy gold or gift cards or meet in a parking lot; and they will not send couriers to your house. If someone claiming to be a federal agent makes this kind of request, hang up and report it.
3. Don’t trust the drop-off
Scammers want you to hand over your valuables in places where there is no security and no paper trail. Grocery stores. Gas stations. Your own driveway. If someone tells you to do this, it is a scam. Always confirm directly with your bank using verified phone numbers before acting on anything.
4. Kūpuna are frequent targets
Criminals often choose older kūpuna because they may be more likely to trust authority and less familiar with technology. If you have a loved one who is older, talk with them about scams like this. Even one conversation can make a difference.
5. Investment offers are not invitations
If someone contacts you out of nowhere about buying gold for your IRA or retirement, don’t engage. There are legal, safe ways to invest in gold; but they don’t start with a surprise phone call. Always work with a verified broker you’ve contacted first.
6. The courier is not the criminal mastermind
In Owen’s case, law enforcement eventually caught the person who came to pick up the fake money. But that person wasn’t the one who planned the scam. Couriers are often hired through online ads and may not even know the full story. That’s part of what makes these crimes harder to stop.
7. No link is worth the risk
Avoid clicking on links in emails or texts from people you don’t know. Even if a message looks official, it can be a trick. These messages can steal your personal information or lead you into a scam before you realize it.
8. Fear is the hook
Scammers rely on urgency. They want you to act fast. They say your identity has been stolen or your accounts are in danger. If a message makes you panic, slow down. That’s your warning sign, so talk to someone you trust. In situations involving accounts, it’s advised to call your bank using a verified number.
9. Nothing protects you like information
Owen followed what he thought were official instructions. He never expected it to be a scam. By sharing what happened, he hopes others will be more prepared. The more you know, the harder it is for someone to steal from you.
For further information on how to avoid scams or what to do it you have been scammed, then click here for the Better Business Bureau.
Knowledge is power. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself, your family and your home.