A Heartbreaking Scam: The story of Kris Owen
Kris Owen, a 79-year-old Vietnam veteran, had envisioned a peaceful retirement filled with travel and quality time with his wife, Karen, and their son in Indiana. But life took a devastating turn when Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began. The couple’s plans for retirement were shattered, and two years later, Karen passed away. Kris, still grieving, became the target of a sophisticated scam that would cost him $80,000 and leave him feeling vulnerable and betrayed.
In 2023, Kris received a pop-up message on his computer claiming his personal information had been compromised. The message instructed him to call a phone number, where a person posing as a federal agent assured him they could protect his money by converting his savings into gold bars. Over weeks of communication, Kris was convinced to buy $80,000 worth of gold bars. The scammers then instructed him to wrap the gold in Christmas paper and hand it over to a federal agent in a grocery store parking lot. When Kris handed over the gold to a stranger, he never saw his money again.
The Gold Grifters: A Nationwide Scam
Kris Owen is not alone. As gold prices soared, scammers exploited the trend, targeting victims across the U.S. in a scheme that defrauded Americans of $126 million in 2024 alone, according to the FBI. ABC News’ investigation, “Gold Grifters,” revealed that this scam involves convincing victims to purchase gold bars and hand them over to couriers posing as federal agents. The scheme is stunning in its complexity and reach, with victims losing thousands to millions of dollars. Detective Sean Petty of the Montgomery County Police Department, who has investigated multiple cases, described it as one of the most intricate scams he has ever encountered, targeting individuals nationwide.
The scam typically begins with fake pop-up messages on computers, warning victims that their personal information has been compromised. These messages are often linked to call centers in India, where scammers pose as federal agents to build trust. Once victims are convinced to buy gold, they are instructed to hand it over to couriers in public places, believing their money is being secured. In reality, the gold is stolen, and the scammers vanish.
Catching the Couriers
After losing $80,000, Kris Owen decided to fight back. When scammers contacted him again, demanding more money, Kris worked with law enforcement to set up a sting operation. Wearing a wire, Kris met with a courier in a parking lot and handed over a box of fake cash. The courier, identified as Abdul Mohammed, was followed by law enforcement and later charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Mohammed, however, fled the country, highlighting the challenges authorities face in bringing these criminals to justice.
Couriers play a variable role in the scam. Some are unaware of the larger scheme and claim they were simply hired to pick up and drop off packages. Others are more deeply involved. Yash Shah, a 27-year-old courier facing charges in two states, told ABC News he was recruited online and paid to pick up packages containing gold bars. Shah claimed he did not know the gold was stolen but admitted his culpability and expressed remorse for his role in the scam. He is currently in custody, awaiting trial.
The FBI’s Fight Against the Scammers
The FBI is focused on dismantling the networks behind the gold bar scam, particularly targeting call centers in India linked to the operation. According to Chris Delzotto, Section Chief of the FBI’s Financial Crimes unit, these scams often originate from overseas, making them difficult to disrupt. However, by targeting couriers and raising public awareness, law enforcement hopes to slow the spread of the scam.
Efforts to educate the public, especially seniors who are often targeted, are critical. Law enforcement officials are visiting retirement communities to warn about the signs of such scams. The FBI urges individuals to be cautious with unsolicited messages on their devices and to take time to verify the legitimacy of any request before acting. By spreading awareness and encouraging vigilance, authorities aim to protect vulnerable individuals from falling victim to these sophisticated schemes.
Prevention and Protection
As the gold scam continues to evolve, so too do the tactics of scammers. The FBI emphasizes the importance of staying informed and cautious. “Take a beat,” advises Delzotto. “Step back, consult with a trusted family member or friend, and verify the legitimacy of any request before engaging.” This advice is especially crucial for seniors, who are often the primary targets of such scams.
By sharing Kris Owen’s story and shedding light on the inner workings of the gold bar scam, ABC News’ investigation hopes to arm the public with knowledge and empower them to protect themselves. As the value of gold continues to rise, so too does the need for vigilance. Together, awareness and action can help prevent others from falling victim to these heartless scammers.
