Attorney General Drew H. Wrigley | North Dakota Attorney General's Office
Attorney General Drew H. Wrigley | North Dakota Attorney General's Office
North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley has issued a warning to residents about a new scam in which fraudsters pose as government officials and persuade individuals to buy and transfer gold bars. The scammers claim this action is necessary to protect the victims' money.
According to the Attorney General’s office, these schemes use urgency and threats to instill fear, pushing people to act quickly without verifying the legitimacy of the request. The perpetrators often impersonate government agents or law enforcement officers and may provide fake documentation to make their claims seem credible.
After gaining trust, the scammers instruct victims to purchase gold bars and hand them over to someone claiming to be a government agent for supposed safekeeping. However, once transferred, the gold is not returned. “If someone tells you to move your money in this fashion to protect it, it’s a scam,” said Wrigley. “No real government agent will ever tell you to buy gold bars, move your money, or hand over gold or cash to someone,” he warned.
Wrigley also noted that scams involving online investment in gold or cryptocurrency are increasing, with criminals taking advantage of rising demand for gold. Residents who believe they have been targeted by such scams are encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 701-328-3404.
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