We are reaching out to inform you of a critical issue affecting retirees involving Social Security and gold investments.
Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to protect yourself and your loved ones from this fraudulent scheme, as reported by Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers.
Details of the Scam
This scam begins with fraudsters posing as government officials, often claiming that your Social Security number has been compromised or linked to illegal activities, such as money laundering. They create a sense of urgency, pressuring victims to act quickly to “protect” their assets. Victims are instructed to withdraw large sums from their bank accounts, convert the funds into gold bars, and hand them over to a courier for “safekeeping.” In reality, once the gold is handed over, the scammers disappear, leaving victims with significant financial losses.
The scam is particularly insidious because it exploits trust in government institutions and targets retirees, who may have substantial savings in retirement accounts. Its sophistication lies in the use of fake credentials, official-sounding language, and even follow-up calls from individuals posing as law enforcement to reinforce the scam’s legitimacy.
How to Protect Yourself
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls or Emails: No legitimate government agency, including the Social Security Administration, will contact you out of the blue demanding immediate action or payment in gold, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
- Verify Independently: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the agency directly using a verified phone number from their official website.
- Pause and Consult: Take a moment to discuss any urgent financial requests with a trusted family member, friend, or your financial advisor before acting.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, contact your local police, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov, or the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 877-908-3360.
Our Commitment to You
We are deeply committed to your financial security. If you have concerns about suspicious communications or financial decisions, please reach out to us immediately. We are here to help you verify the legitimacy of any requests and safeguard your assets. Additionally, you can read more about this scam in the detailed article from Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers:
Retirees Targeted in Sophisticated Social Security and Gold Scam
Next Steps
Please remain vigilant and share this information with friends and family, especially retirees who may be targeted. If you or someone you know has been contacted by someone claiming to be a government official requesting gold purchases, contact us at 706-253-7285 or renee@kikerwealth.com so we can assist you promptly.
Thank you for entrusting us with your financial well-being. We are here to support you every step of the way!
Sincerely,
Paul Kiker, Jr.
President
We cannot accept trade instructions via email or voicemail. Often people will leave a message or send an email about what they would like to accomplish, however you cannot assume we will receive those instructions. Therefore, until we have verbally confirmed those instructions with you, no orders will be placed. If you need immediate assistance and are unable to reach us for trade instructions, you can contact Fidelity’s client services at 1-800-343-3548.
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