Wisconsin Woman Loses $433,000 in Gold Bar Scam; FBI Reports $13 Million in Statewide Losses
In a quiet area of northwestern Wisconsin, a woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared her harrowing experience of losing $433,279.53 to scammers posing as bank officials. This significant financial blow came after she was misled into purchasing gold bars to protect her retirement savings. Following a fraudulent email claiming her Apple devices were hacked, she became embroiled in a scheme that preyed on her trust and fear.
The FBI reports that she is not alone; 49 individuals in Wisconsin have collectively lost nearly $13 million to similar scams. Victims receive alarming calls about alleged bank account hacks, followed by instructions to invest in gold as a safeguard. Once convinced, they hand over their gold to couriers, who vanish with the valuables.
Law enforcement caught one courier, Gourav Patel, during a sting operation in Minnesota. Evidence linked him to the Prescott woman’s case through boxes addressed to her. Another suspect, Junjie Liang, was arrested in Waukesha for scamming a woman out of more than $700,000. Both individuals are facing legal repercussions, with Patel recently sentenced to probation and deportation back to India after pleading guilty.
FBI Special Agent Michael Hensle emphasized that these scams often target older individuals with substantial savings, exploiting their vulnerabilities. He cautioned the public to remain vigilant, advising anyone suspicious to verify claims directly with their bank and to avoid unsolicited phone calls.
As the Prescott woman navigates the aftermath of her financial loss, she urges others to be wary of such schemes, underscoring the emotional and financial toll experienced by victims. The likelihood of recovering any loss remains low, leaving many without compensation for their stolen savings.
For those concerned about potential scams, experts recommend never complying with unknown parties’ requests for personal or financial information and confirming any suspicious communications directly with trusted sources.
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