State Police Seek Public’s Assistance and Warn Public of Gold Bar Scam

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Official release

Source material from Pennsylvania State Police. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

State Police Seek Public’s Assistance and Warn Public of Gold Bar Scam

State Police are seeking public assistance after uncovering a sophisticated fraud scheme that has targeted victims across multiple states, with a current total amounting to approximately $6.5 million.

September 25, 2026

<b>Milton, PA&nbsp;</b>—<b>&nbsp;</b>The<b> Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) </b>are investigating an organized fraud scheme in which scammers impersonate federal law enforcement agencies.</p>\r\n<p>Investigators say the scam typically begins with a pop-up appearing on the victim’s computer. The victim is then contacted by individuals claiming to represent federal officials.</p>\r\n<p>The scammers tell victims that their identity or Social Security number has been connected to criminal activity and that their bank accounts or personal information have been compromised. They then instruct the victim to withdraw money from their accounts, purchase gold bars or coins, and turn the gold over to a courier for “safekeeping.”</p>\r\n<p>To date, approximately $6.5 million has been stolen through this scheme. Victims have been identified across the country, including in Maryland and Washington State. PSP believes there may be additional victims who have not yet been identified.</p>\r\n<p>PSP is asking anyone who may have been targeted by this scam and was instructed to purchase or provide gold to a courier in August and/or September to contact investigators.</p>\r\n<p>A vehicle involved in this scheme has been identified as a silver 2025 Honda Accord bearing California registration 9TTS143. Two individuals were taken into custody after PSP stopped their vehicle on Interstate 80 in Union County on September 10, 2026.</p>\r\n<p>Anyone who believes they may have been victimized or who turned over gold or cash in connection with this scam is asked to contact Trooper Eric Dreisbach at <a href=\"tel:570-560-0625\">570-560-0625</a> and reference PA 2026-1166513.</p>\r\n<p>No legitimate law enforcement officer will instruct you to purchase gold or give cash or gold to a courier.</p>\r\n<p>For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit <a href=\"https://www.pa.gov/agencies/psp\">psp.pa.gov</a>.</p>\r\n"}}">

Milton, PA — The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are investigating an organized fraud scheme in which scammers impersonate federal law enforcement agencies.

Investigators say the scam typically begins with a pop-up appearing on the victim’s computer. The victim is then contacted by individuals claiming to represent federal officials.

The scammers tell victims that their identity or Social Security number has been connected to criminal activity and that their bank accounts or personal information have been compromised. They then instruct the victim to withdraw money from their accounts, purchase gold bars or coins, and turn the gold over to a courier for “safekeeping.”

To date, approximately $6.5 million has been stolen through this scheme. Victims have been identified across the country, including in Maryland and Washington State. PSP believes there may be additional victims who have not yet been identified.

PSP is asking anyone who may have been targeted by this scam and was instructed to purchase or provide gold to a courier in August and/or September to contact investigators.

A vehicle involved in this scheme has been identified as a silver 2025 Honda Accord bearing California registration 9TTS143. Two individuals were taken into custody after PSP stopped their vehicle on Interstate 80 in Union County on September 10, 2026.

Anyone who believes they may have been victimized or who turned over gold or cash in connection with this scam is asked to contact Trooper Eric Dreisbach at 570-560-0625 and reference PA 2026-1166513.

No legitimate law enforcement officer will instruct you to purchase gold or give cash or gold to a courier.

For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.

Media Contacts

SGT Logan Brouse

ra-pspcomm@pa.gov

717-783-5556

State Police

Media

Chris Caracino

ra-pspcomm@pa.gov

717-783-5556

State Police

Media

Release text attributed to Pennsylvania State Police. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.