The victim, a Clark County resident in her 70s, was contacted by someone claiming to be from the Federal Office of Inspector General

Clark County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating a sophisticated scam where a suspect swindled a community member of over $500,000 in gold coins. The victim, a Clark County resident in her 70s, was contacted by someone claiming to be from the Federal Office of Inspector General, notifying her of fraudulent activity associated with her social security number.

Over several months, the scammer persuaded the victim to participate in a “federal process” to transfer financial assets to a new, secure social security number. The victim even received a phone call from someone posing as a Vancouver Police Officer, who claimed this was a legitimate investigation.

The scammer ultimately conned the victim into withdrawing most of her liquid assets, purchasing gold coins, and providing the coins to an “undercover federal agent” with the promise of having the assets re-issued to her later. 

This scam is among a trend of hoaxes used to take advantage of victims online, locally, and nationwide. If you receive a suspicious call and are uncertain, independently look up the direct phone number for the agency or company you believe you are dealing with and call them to verify the situation. Government agents will not ask for any payment in gold, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. 

This release includes a photo of some of the gold coins purchased by the victim and the suspect’s vehicle (a light-colored SUV). Anyone with information about the vehicle or case should call the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit Tip Line at 564-397-2847. Detectives want to remind the public to be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls or text messages. Check with the elderly persons in your life to ensure they know these dangers.

Information provided by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.