MANCHESTER — A new scam is targeting seniors in the Manchester area, with fraudsters convincing victims to convert their cash into gold before stealing it.
Manchester Police warn that scammers have shifted tactics from traditional money schemes to targeting gold purchases.
The scam typically begins with a computer pop-up prompting victims to call a phone number.
Once connected, the scammer claims the victim’s social security number or bank information has been compromised.
The fraudster, often posing as a government official to build trust, suggests buying gold bars as a safer alternative to keeping money in banks.
After purchasing the gold, victims are instructed to meet a courier with promises their assets will be safeguarded in a secure account.
Instead, the gold is stolen, with some seniors losing hundreds of thousands of dollars from their life savings.
Manchester Police advise residents to be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages and to verify information by contacting their bank or the government agency the caller claims to represent.
Authorities recommend taking time with financial decisions and avoiding pressure tactics.
