Police Warn Shelton Residents Of Increase In 'Gold Bar' Scams: PD

SHELTON, CT — The Shelton Police Department announced this week they are seeing an increase in "gold bar" scams targeting the community, especially seniors.

In a Facebook post Monday, police broke down how these types of scams typically work:

• Scammers pose as government agents or tech support.
• Victims are told their money is at risk or their computer is compromised.
• They are instructed to withdraw cash or buy gold bars.
• A courier is sent to collect the money or gold for "safekeeping."
• Once handed over, the scammer disappears.

According to police, no government agency or law enforcement will ever ask a resident to convert money into gold or cash, send a courier to collect money or threaten an arrest to force payment.

Police also provided the following list of red flags for residents to look out for:

• Urgent pressure to act immediately.
• Threats of arrest or legal trouble.
• Requests for secrecy.
• Requests for cash, gold, or cryptocurrency.

Anyone who receives a call, pop-up or message indicating a "scam alert" is asked not to comply and report it to the Shelton Police Department instead.

In a separate Facebook post Wednesday, police provided detailed graphics regarding scams, including "gold bar" and "phantom hacker" scams, and how residents can protect themselves. They can be viewed here.

"These scams are happening far too often and criminals are actively targeting our community," police wrote on Facebook. "Do not comply with any demand to move or convert your money. This must stop now. If you are contacted, report it immediately to SPD!"