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Walton County, FL - A Florida woman was reportedly scammed out of more than $280,000 in a sophisticated fraud operation involving gold bar purchases and a fake government agent.
According to authorities, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office said the victim received a call from someone claiming her Social Security number had been compromised.
The caller then allegedly transferred her to a second individual posing as a federal officer, who instructed her to protect her assets from potential theft.
The supposed agent told her to send $10,600 to what was described as the U.S. Treasury Department and then purchase gold to keep her funds “safe.”
Following the caller’s instructions, the woman visited a coin and bullion dealer and bought over $280,000 worth of gold.
She was then directed to repackage the gold, using a password that was supposedly meant for an undercover agent.
Authorities say she was told to leave the package in a specific vehicle.
After making the drop, the woman attempted to follow up with the person she believed was a federal officer—only to discover the phone number had been disconnected.
Investigators believe the scammers used common high-pressure tactics to convince the victim she was at risk, exploiting her trust in federal agencies.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office issued a public alert reminding residents that no legitimate government agency will ever ask for payments through bullion, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
They encourage anyone contacted in a similar way to report it immediately.