Security News > 2024 > January > FBI: Tech support scams now use couriers to collect victims' money
Today, the FBI warned about courier services being used to collect money and valuables from victims of tech support and government impersonation scams.
This public service announcement follows a surge of reports regarding criminals using couriers to collect cash or precious metals like gold or silver from victims whom the scammers instructed to sell their valuables.
"The FBI is warning the public about scammers instructing victims, many of whom are senior citizens, to liquidate their assets into cash and/or buy gold, silver, or other precious metals to protect their funds," the FBI said.
The scammers then arrange for couriers to meet the victims at their homes or in various public locations to retrieve the money or precious metals.
Victims of such scams are urged to report the scammers to the FBI immediately and include as much information on the criminals as possible.
"In October, the FBI warned of a surge in"phantom hacker" scams impacting the elderly, with estimated victim losses of over $542 million between January and June 2023.".