The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is issuing a warning to Oregon residents about the “gold bar” scam that is rapidly spreading across the nation.
This scam involves fraudsters impersonating government officials who convince victims to purchase gold bars to supposedly protect their nest eggs.
Victims are contacted through text, email, or phone call and told their financial accounts are at risk of being compromised. Some reasons include the accounts were subject to a cyber-attack or are being used for illegal activity and must be closed.
Victims are advised to empty the account, purchase the gold bars, and then deliver the bars over to the “government official.” It has already caused millions of dollars in losses to Oregon investors and others across the country.
DFR emphasizes that government officials will never contact you and demand payment using gold bars, and remind everyone to be cautious of imposters. Never click on suspicious links or respond to unsolicited messages, and never give out your personal and financial information to strangers.
DFR cautions Oregonians to remain cautious and informed. Contact local law enforcement to report this scam. You can also contact DFR at (888) 877-4894.
