Clark County woman loses $500K in gold coin scam, suspect wanted
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Officials in Clark County are searching for a suspect accused of scamming a woman out of $500,000 worth of gold coins.
According to the Clark County Sheriff's Office, a woman was first contacted by someone claiming to be from a federal office, alerting her of fraudulent activity related to her social security number.
Over the course of several months, deputies said the scammer persuaded the victim to transfer her finances under a new social security number.
"The woman even received a phone call from someone posing as a Vancouver Police Officer, who claimed this was a legitimate investigation," authorities added.
The suspected scammer then convinced the woman to withdraw most of her liquid assets, buy gold coins, then give the coins to someone claiming to be an undercover federal agent, who promised the woman the money would be "reissued to her later."
"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," the Clark County Sheriff's Office cautioned in a release. "Government agents will not ask for any payment in gold, gift cards, or cryptocurrency."
Deputies say the suspect was driving a light-colored SUV. Anyone with information about the vehicle or case is encouraged to contact the Clark County Sheriff's Office.