Gold Bar / Cash Courier Scam
FBI IC3 2024 documents gold courier scams with a staggering average loss of $417,000 per victim — targeting people who believe their bank accounts are compromised and must move their savings into gold bars or cash for 'safekeeping'. A courier then picks up the gold or cash directly from the victim's home.
Reports
525 IC3 complaints 2024; $219M
First documented
2022
Last active
2026-03
⚠ This page documents a reported scam pattern for educational purposes. Sources are cited for all statistics and claims. ZeroScam is not affiliated with the FTC, FBI, or FCC.
What the scam says
Scammer calls posing as your bank, the FTC, or law enforcement. Claims your bank account has been compromised by an insider employee and your money must be moved immediately. Instructs you to withdraw cash or purchase gold bars at a coin dealer. A courier arrives at your home to pick it up. The gold or cash is never seen again.
4 red flags
FBI IC3 2024: gold courier scams averaged $417,000 loss per victim — among the highest of any scam type
No legitimate government agency or bank will ever ask you to buy gold or hand cash to a courier
The instruction to 'not tell anyone — this is a confidential investigation' is always a scam
FTC guidance: no real law enforcement will ever tell you to move your money to protect it
What to do
Hang up immediately and call your bank at the number on your card
Never withdraw large amounts of cash or purchase gold based on an unsolicited call
No government agency will ever send a courier to collect your money
Report to FBI IC3 at ic3.gov — gold courier scams are a priority investigation
Report this scam
Source
FBI IC3 2024 Annual Report — gold courier scams: 525 complaints, $219M in losses; FTC 2024 consumer alert
https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2024_IC3Report.pdf ↗People also search for
Frequently asked questions
What is the Gold Bar / Cash Courier Scam?▼
FBI IC3 2024 documents gold courier scams with a staggering average loss of $417,000 per victim — targeting people who believe their bank accounts are compromised and must move their savings into gold bars or cash for 'safekeeping'. A courier then picks up the gold or cash directly from the victim's home.
How do I recognize a Gold Bar / Cash Courier Scam?▼
Red flags: FBI IC3 2024: gold courier scams averaged $417,000 loss per victim — among the highest of any scam type; No legitimate government agency or bank will ever ask you to buy gold or hand cash to a courier; The instruction to 'not tell anyone — this is a confidential investigation' is always a scam.
What should I do if I receive a Gold Bar / Cash Courier Scam?▼
Hang up immediately and call your bank at the number on your card Never withdraw large amounts of cash or purchase gold based on an unsolicited call No government agency will ever send a courier to collect your money
How common is the Gold Bar / Cash Courier Scam?▼
525 IC3 complaints 2024; $219M. First documented: 2022. Source: FBI IC3 2024 Annual Report — gold courier scams: 525 complaints, $219M in losses; FTC 2024 consumer alert.
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Check your message →Source: FBI IC3 2024 Annual Report — gold courier scams: 525 complaints, $219M in losses; FTC 2024 consumer alert
First documented: 2022 · Last active: 2026-03
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