An Oregon woman has been victimized by a scam that bilked her out of $600,000 after fraudsters posing as federal agents convinced her to purchase and hand over gold bars for what they claimed was “safekeeping.” This alarming incident has prompted warnings from the Oregon Department of Justice (ODOJ), as detailed in a recent report. The scam, which has now garnered national attention, involves deceitful tactics whereby scammers instill fear in their victims by alleging that their financial accounts are under severe threat. In a statement obtained by the DOJ, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said, “This is a heartbreaking example of how sophisticated and predatory these scams have become.”
The scam typically begins with a phone call, email, or text, with scammers asserting they are representing a government agency or bank, and claiming the victim’s accounts are compromised. They then pressure the victim into believing their money is only safe if converted into gold or other valuables. A supposed courier then arrives to take the assets for ‘safe’ storage, and the woman in Eastern Oregon was about to hand over an additional $300,000 before her sister intervened and alerted authorities, leading to local law enforcement stepping in to prevent further loss.
In light of the growing prevalence of the gold bar scam, the ODOJ has issued a set of guidelines for Oregonians on how to protect themselves. They emphasize that no legitimate agency would ask for gold purchases or send someone to collect money at your home. To avoid falling victim, the department advises immediate disconnection from anyone urging money transfers or withdrawals, not clicking on dubious links, refraining from sharing personal or financial details with unknown entities, and verifying any claims with your bank or the relevant agency using official contact information. The ODOJ also encourages reporting any suspicious activities to their Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392 or online through their website. Additionally, reports can be made to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.FTC.gov.
As scammers continue their nationwide sweep, responses to these schemes are crucial in safeguarding the financial well-being of individuals. In the wake of these frauds, Attorney General Rayfield cautions the public, urging them, “If something feels off, trust your gut. It could save your life savings.” This advice resounds amid the backdrop of cases like the aforementioned Oregon woman, whose financial stability was jeopardized under the guise of security. For more information on ongoing scams and protection measures, Oregonians can visit the ODOJ website or contact their hotline for assistance.
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