If someone tells you the best place to keep your money is in a shoebox full of gold and that a stranger will swing by to pick it up—congrats, you've just met a scammer with flair.
In this publication, we're uncovering a rising scam targeting Washington residents that’s cost victims more than $7 million so far. It’s sophisticated, manipulative, and dangerous—and it could target someone you care about.
Criminals posing as trusted agents are scaring people into handing over cash, gold, and savings—sometimes with the help of multiple impersonators.
How It Works:
This scam unfolds in several manipulative steps designed to gain your trust—and then your money:
- Initial Contact: Victims are contacted via phone, email, text, or computer pop-up by someone pretending to be from a bank, government agency, or tech company.
- The Urgency Trick: The scammer claims your account is compromised, your identity is stolen, or your computer has a virus.
- “Protect” Your Money: They convince you to withdraw your funds or buy gold to “keep it safe.”
- Pick-Up Scam: Victims are told to place the cash or gold in a box. A courier then comes to collect it.
- Double Deception: Often, another impersonator joins in to “verify” the first caller’s story, reinforcing trust.
Once the box is gone, so is your money.
Who’s Targeted:
• Older adults
• Less tech-savvy individuals
• Washington state residents (so far)
Prosecutors have identified nearly 50 active cases in Washington since February 2024 alone.
Real-Life Example:
According to Patrick Hinds from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, one Washington resident lost $870,000 in this scam—the largest known single case in the state.
“These scammers prey on trust and fear,” said Hinds. “They’re extremely convincing.”
Why You Should Care:
This isn’t just another robocall. Scammers are using multi-layered deception and impersonation to manipulate victims into emptying their life savings. Once the money is gone, it’s nearly impossible to recover—and investigations are tough to prosecute.
Even tech-savvy people can be fooled, and the emotional and financial damage can last for years.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Never send money to “protect” money. No bank, agency, or tech company will ever ask you to withdraw cash or buy gold.
• Verify independently. Hang up and call the real institution directly using official contact info.
• Don’t believe pop-ups. Scare tactics like “your computer has a virus” are often fake.
• Refuse couriers. No legitimate organization will send someone to pick up your money.
• Talk it out. Scammers thrive on silence. Always check with a family member or friend before taking any drastic financial action.
Quick Tips & Updates
Quick Tip: Scammers often use two people to sound more legitimate—this is a red flag, not reassurance.
Pro Tip: Always report suspicious contact to your state’s consumer protection office. The faster it’s reported, the faster others can be protected.
Update: King County officials are urging residents, especially older adults, to be on high alert and report anything unusual to law enforcement immediately.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keyword Definitions:
- Pop-Up Scam: A browser message or window claiming there’s an urgent issue, often used to trick users into calling a fake number.
- Courier Scam: When fraudsters send someone to physically collect money, gold, or documents from the victim.
- Impersonation Fraud: When someone pretends to be from a trusted institution to deceive victims.
- Gold Box Scam: A term used when scammers convince victims to buy gold and give it up for “safekeeping.”
- Elder Fraud: Scams that target older adults, often involving emotional manipulation or threats.
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