Scam library · Seniors · Government impostor · Banking & payment apps
Gold bar courier scam
After a scary call or pop-up about hacked accounts, a 'federal agent' says your savings must be protected. You're told to withdraw cash or buy gold bars, then hand them to a courier who'll take them to a secure government vault.
There's no vault. The courier works for the scammers, and your savings disappear.
Victims are often smart, careful people who were frightened by a convincing story.
What the message looks like
From: Caller claiming to be from a federal agency
Your identity was used in a money laundering case. To protect your savings, convert your funds into gold. A federal courier will collect it for safekeeping.
When he arrives, he'll give you passcode 7-3-4. Do not discuss this case with anyone.
How this scam works
The FBI has warned that scammers posing as tech support, bank and government employees direct victims, often older adults, to liquidate assets into cash or buy gold, silver or other precious metals. Couriers pick them up at the victim's home.
Victims are often coached to lie to bank staff or gold dealers about why they're making large purchases, and to keep the 'investigation' secret from family.
Some victims are given a passcode to confirm the courier, which makes the handoff feel official.
No real government agency takes custody of people's savings to protect them. The more official the story sounds, with badges, case numbers and secrecy, the more likely it is a scam. Family members can help by staying in regular contact and talking openly about these schemes.
Red flags
- Being told to buy gold, silver or withdraw cash for safekeeping.
- A courier coming to your home.
- Passcodes for confirming couriers.
- Secrecy and instructions to lie to bank staff.
- Claims of investigations involving your identity.
How to tell it’s fake
- Hang up and call a family member or your bank.
- Contact the agency yourself using a number from its official website.
- Remember no agency stores your money or gold for you.
- Ask yourself: why would a real agent need you to keep it secret?
- Notice the secrecy. Real investigations never depend on you hiding things from your bank or family.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Don't hand anything to a courier. Call local police if one is scheduled to come.
If you paid
- Report to ic3.gov and local police as soon as possible. Quick reports help investigators.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you gave remote access or personal details, have your computer checked and protect your accounts.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard runs in Chrome and Edge on your computer, so it can't hear calls or stop a courier. Many of these scams begin with a fake security pop-up or email, and Scam Guard warns before you call the number. If a story seems legit, get a scam expert's opinion first.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Do government agencies take gold for safekeeping?
- No. This is always a scam.
- What should I do if a courier is coming?
- Don't open the door. Call local police.
- Is this common?
- The FBI has issued warnings about courier scams targeting older adults.
- How can families help?
- Talk openly about the scam and agree to call before moving money.