Introduction to the Gold Bar Scam
Don’t click, don’t call. D.C. police say those four words can keep you from becoming a victim of what’s known as a gold bar scam. “We’ve all had our computer crash, and you get that blue screen up there, and there was a number that flashed up: ‘Call this number to remedy the situation.’ She called it. She ended up speaking to some people who took her down this long scam,” said Assistant Chief Ramey Kyle with the Metropolitan Police Department.
The Scam Unfolds
Police said Amruth Vaka, 27, and Saloni Shaikh, 28, both of California, were arrested after they flew to D.C. posing as couriers helping the victim protect her money from the bad guys who had hacked her computer. They told her to convert it to gold coins or gold bars and they’d come and pick it up and put it somewhere safe. But they were the actual bad guys, say police, who revealed that before a concerned gold dealer alerted detectives in June, the suspects had already taken $640,000 from the victim, in gold or by wire, since February.
Arrest and Charges
The suspects came to the District Tuesday to pick up a box that was supposed to contain $200,000 in gold. Instead, it was empty, and they were arrested and are facing federal fraud charges.
The Prevalence of the Scam
“We have seen this a lot,” said MPD Commander Kevin Kentish. “This is one of the good cases that we get to report out we were actually able to hold someone accountable. It doesn’t always end up like this.” Police said they are very interested in knowing if anyone else has been victimized by the suspects, and that is why they have released pictures of them.
Conclusion
The gold bar scam is a sophisticated and elaborate scheme that has cost one victim $640,000. The arrests of Amruth Vaka and Saloni Shaikh serve as a reminder to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with unsolicited calls or messages, especially those that involve financial transactions. By being aware of these types of scams, individuals can protect themselves and their assets from falling prey to such fraudulent activities.
FAQs
- Q: What is the gold bar scam?
A: The gold bar scam is a type of fraud where scammers pose as helpers, convincing victims to convert their money into gold coins or bars, which are then stolen. - Q: How can I protect myself from the gold bar scam?
A: Be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages, especially those that involve financial transactions. Never give out personal or financial information to unknown individuals. - Q: What should I do if I think I have been a victim of the gold bar scam?
A: Contact the authorities immediately and report the incident. Provide as much information as possible to help with the investigation. - Q: Are the suspects in the gold bar scam facing charges?
A: Yes, Amruth Vaka and Saloni Shaikh are facing federal fraud charges.
