Summary: A 76-year-old woman in Lincoln, Nebraska, lost over $66,984 in a gold bar scam orchestrated by individuals claiming to represent the Federal Trade Commission. The scammers convinced the victim that she was under investigation for money laundering in Texas, instructing her to purchase a gold bar online and deliver it to a designated location. Following the instructions, the woman handed over a one-kilogram gold bar at a Walmart parking lot, where the scammer fled with the valuable item in a white van. The Lincoln Police have launched an investigation into the incident, cautioning the public to remain skeptical of unsolicited calls and letters that prompt financial transactions.
Three Key Points:
- Elderly Lincoln woman falls prey to a sophisticated gold bar scam, losing over $66,984.
- Scammers impersonating Federal Trade Commission investigators convinced the victim of a money laundering investigation, instructing her to purchase and deliver a gold bar.
- The woman complied with the fraudulent instructions, delivering the gold bar to a Walmart parking lot, where the scammer fled with the valuable item. Authorities emphasize vigilance against such scams and caution when responding to unsolicited requests for financial transactions.
Lincoln Police have reported an unfortunate incident where a 76-year-old woman fell victim to a sophisticated gold bar scam, resulting in a substantial loss of over $66,984. According to Captain Todd Kocian, the woman began receiving suspicious phone calls and letters at the end of last month, purportedly from individuals claiming to represent the Federal Trade Commission.
Alarming the victim, the scammers alleged that she was under investigation for money laundering in Texas. To allegedly clear her name, the scammers instructed her to order a gold bar from an online company and have it shipped to her residence. Subsequently, after receiving the gold bar, the woman was further directed to meet an “investigating agent” at the Walmart located at 27th & Superior.
Trusting the fraudulent instructions, the woman complied and delivered a one-kilogram gold bar to the specified Walmart location earlier this week. The scammer, posing as an agent, reportedly received the valuable item in the parking lot and promptly fled the scene in a white van.
The total loss incurred by the victim amounted to a staggering $66,984. The Lincoln Police have initiated an investigation into the matter, urging the public to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited calls and letters. Authorities emphasize the importance of exercising caution when instructed to transfer money or purchase items for delivery, as these tactics are commonly employed by scammers seeking to exploit unsuspecting individuals. The investigation into this gold bar scam is ongoing.