Indian national arrested in scam to steal almost Rs 5 crore in gold from US woman

A 20-year-old Indian national has been arrested in the United States for attempting to collect nearly $500,000 worth of gold bars from an elderly woman who was targeted in a fraud scheme involving people posing as government officials.

According to a report by WCJB, the FBI and Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputies collaborated in arresting Gurpinder Singh during a sting operation in Florida. Investigators said he had travelled from California as part of an alleged scheme to collect gold bars from an elderly Gainesville resident.

The ordeal began with what appeared to be a routine email warning the woman about a problem with her bank account and credit card. After calling a phone number listed in the message, she was connected to people who claimed to be officials from the Federal Trade Commission.

The callers allegedly told her that her Social Security number had been compromised and that criminals could access her money. They warned her savings were in danger and directed her to take immediate steps to convert it into gold bars for “safekeeping”.

ELDERLY WOMAN TOLD TO BUY GOLD BARS

Believing the warnings were genuine, the woman purchased more than $101,000 worth of gold from a jewellery and coin dealer. She later handed over the gold to a man who claimed to be a Treasury Department official.

The scammers allegedly continued to pressure the woman and demanded that she buy an additional $400,000 worth of gold. They reportedly claimed it was necessary to fully protect her assets and secure a new Social Security number.

Before the second transaction could take place, federal investigators became aware of the scheme.

Following the incident, the victim worked with investigators and agreed to participate in an operation to identify and arrest those involved.

FBI SETS UP STING OPERATION

The woman sent photographs of gold bars valued at approximately $497,229 to the suspects and arranged a meeting near SW Archer Road in Gainesville on June 1.

Investigators said undercover officers observed a Chevron parked near the location. Gurpinder Singh was allegedly inside the vehicle and appeared to be monitoring the victim’s movements while speaking on the phone.

As the planned handover neared, authorities believed he had arrived to collect the gold on behalf of the scammers. But the operation was already under surveillance. On Sunday, officers arrested him before any gold changed hands.

Local media reported that he was identified by an Indian passport and a California driver’s licence. He also allegedly admitted that he had recently travelled from California to Florida.

The case is the latest in a growing number of “gold bar scams” reported across the US.

In these schemes, fraudsters often pose as government officials, bank representatives or technical support workers. Victims, many of them elderly, are convinced that their identities or finances are under threat and are instructed to convert savings into gold bars or cash.

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