<p>Scammers want to scare you because scared people make bad decisions.</p>
<p>You often hear about scammers convincing people that their Social Security numbers have been compromised, their identities stolen, or that their computers were hacked. People get scared and become vulnerable to the suggestion that the scammer, often posing as a trusted government official, will protect their wealth.</p>
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<p>Now, the FBI is warning of a new approach. Scammers are leveraging fear and distrust of the financial system to scam people.</p>
<p>According to WSOC 9 in Charlotte, criminals prey on people’s worry that their dollars aren’t worth as much as they once were and fear that the financial system is about to collapse. They convince people the solution is to buy gold or silver.</p>
<p>So far, so good.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.moneymetals.com/news/2026/07/28/inflation-pain-is-worse-than-the-cpi-indicates-005097">Your dollar isn’t worth as much as it once was</a>, and it will be worth even less next year. After all, <span><a href="https://www.moneymetals.com/podcasts/2025/11/05/inflation-is-the-plan-004459">inflation is the plan</a></span>.</p>
<p>And while I’m not predicting a financial collapse tomorrow, trouble is undoubtedly on the horizon given <span><a href="https://www.moneymetals.com/news/2026/08/20/the-40-trillion-national-debt-in-perspective-005151">$40 trillion in U.S. government debt</a> and counting</span>.</p>
<p>So, I actually agree with these scammers. You need gold (and silver)!</p>
<p>So, where’s the scam?</p>
<p>Well, these people aren't trying to protect your wealth. They're trying to increase theirs.</p>
<p>And what better way to grow their wealth than to get you to give them gold and silver!</p>
<p>You have to give these crooks some credit. At least they value sound money and recognize that gold and silver are accepted as such anywhere in the world!</p>
<p>According to WSOC, the scammers direct victims to legitimate bullion companies that ship gold and silver to your home. Once the victim agrees to purchase the metal, the scammers convince them to turn their gold and silver over to them for "safekeeping."</p>
<p>“<em>They say, ‘As soon as it gets to your residence, let us know; we’re going to send a carrier by, collect your gold. We’re going to put it in our vault under safekeeping, so you don’t have to worry about that kind of money, value, stored in your house,”</em> FBI Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis said.</p>
<p>Again, a legitimate concern. Storing precious thousands of dollars in precious metals in your Walmart safe might not be the best move. Many people feel more secure knowing their gold and silver is in a trusted depository.</p>
<p>But if somebody offers to drive by and pick up your gold, just say, "No!" You’re never going to see it again.</p>
<p>Ever.</p>
<p>Legitimate bullion companies partner with trusted vaulting facilities. Here at Money Metals, we have <a href="https://www.moneymetals.com/silver-gold-storage">our own state-of-the-art depository</a>. If you want to store your gold or silver away from your home, legitimate companies will send the metal straight to the depository. There is no reason for the gold and silver to come to your house, only to be picked up by a courier.</p>
<p>If some third party tries to insert itself into your gold and silver purchase — beware.</p>
<p>If somebody is obviously trying to scare you — beware.</p>
<p>If somebody says, "Meet me at the gas station to hand over your gold and silver" – beware. (Yes. This has happened!)</p>
<p>Scammers are everywhere. Just Google “gold scam” and you’ll see what I mean. But it’s easy to avoid the crooks. Do your research and only do business with trusted companies with a strong track record.</p>
