What it looks like
"This is Agent Carter with the Federal Trade Commission. Your Social Security number has been linked to money laundering and your bank accounts are about to be frozen. To protect your assets, you must convert them to gold today. A federal courier will come to your home to secure it."
An example. Real ones change their wording, amounts and names all the time.
How it works
This scam often begins like the phantom hacker scam, with a pop-up, a call about a hacked account, or a call from someone posing as a federal agent. They say your Social Security number or bank account is tied to a crime, and that your savings will be seized or stolen unless you act.
The 'protection' plan is to turn your savings into gold. You are told to withdraw money, buy gold bars from a real dealer, and hand them to a courier who comes to your door. Sometimes the courier gives a passcode to prove they are legitimate. Other times you are told to pack cash in a box for pickup. The gold and cash go straight to the scammers.
It fools smart, careful savers because gold feels safe and the plan sounds like a security step. The FTC is direct about it: no real government agent will ask you to buy gold bars and hand them to someone. If anyone tells you to withdraw cash or buy gold to give to a courier, it is a scam, every time.
Signs it is fake
- Someone says your identity, bank account or computer has been hacked or linked to a crime
- You are told to buy gold bars, silver or other precious metals, or to withdraw cash
- A courier or 'agent' will come to your home to pick it up, sometimes with a passcode
- You are told not to tell your bank, your family or anyone else
- Official looking letters or badges sent to your phone or email
What to do
- Stop. No government agency will tell you to buy gold or hand gold or cash to a courier.
- Hang up, and do not open the door to the courier.
- Call your bank or broker yourself, and tell someone you trust.
If you already clicked, called or paid
- Call your local police right away, especially if a courier is due to come back.
- Report it to your local FBI field office and at ic3.gov.
- Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Being fooled is not your fault. These messages are made by professionals to look real. Acting quickly is what matters. See what to do if you paid a scammer.
Not sure about a message?
Forward it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093, or send a screenshot. He tells you plainly what looks wrong. He never asks for passwords or codes, and he never texts first. How it works.
Worried about a parent? With the Family plan, you get a heads up when a likely scam reaches them.
More common scams
- Gift card scam
- Zelle and payment app scam
- Bitcoin ATM scam
- Crypto investment scam
- See all common scams
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
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