by Bucks County, Pennsylvania — Authorities are warning the public after a Texas man was arrested in connection with an alleged multi-state scam that targeted elderly victims and convinced them to convert large sums of cash into gold under the false claim that they were facing legal trouble.
Police say the suspect, Gautam Harkhani, 35, used fear and impersonation tactics to pressure victims into handing over money, with cases now linked to Pennsylvania and Maine.
Elderly Bucks County woman allegedly lost more than $100,000
According to investigators, one of the most significant cases occurred in Buckingham Township, where an elderly woman was allegedly scammed out of more than $100,000.
Police said the woman received emails that appeared to come from federal government agencies, warning her that she was in serious legal trouble. Investigators later confirmed the messages were fraudulent, despite their official-looking appearance.
Fearing prosecution, the woman followed the instructions provided to her — even ignoring warnings from bank employees — and withdrew a six-figure sum from her bank account, authorities said.
Cash allegedly converted into gold coins
After withdrawing the money, the victim was instructed to convert the cash into gold coins, detectives said. She then went to a nearby grocery store parking lot, where she handed the gold over to a man she believed was helping resolve her legal issues.
“We’re seeing more victims turn over cash or gold to complete strangers because they believe they’re dealing with someone in authority,” said Buckingham Township Detective James Crusemire.
The entire exchange was captured on surveillance video, police said.
Rental car leads investigators to suspect
Investigators reviewed the video footage and identified a rental car used during the exchange. Police said the vehicle was traced back to Harkhani, who then left Pennsylvania.
By that point, however, law enforcement in Lincoln County, Maine, had already been alerted to a similar scam attempt.
Arrest made after police pose as victim in Maine
Officials in Maine say they set up a sting operation, posing as a potential victim in a nearly identical scheme. When Harkhani allegedly arrived to collect gold, officers arrested him on November 21, police said.
He has since been charged with theft by deception and criminal conspiracy.
Harkhani is currently being held at the Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset, Maine, with bail set at $50,000 cash, according to authorities.
Police believe others may be involved
Investigators in both Pennsylvania and Maine believe Harkhani may not have acted alone and are working to determine whether additional suspects are connected to the scheme.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have had contact with Harkhani — or who believes they may have been targeted in a similar scam — to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Lincoln County Detective Jared Mitkus at 207-882-7332 or via email at [email protected].
How scammers manipulate victims
Detective Crusemire said many victims are so convinced they are doing the right thing that they don’t realize they’ve been scammed until after the money or gold is gone.
Police say scammers often use:
- Emails that closely resemble official government communications
- Urgent language designed to create fear
- Instructions that isolate victims from family, banks, or law enforcement
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A closer look at email sender addresses often reveals small discrepancies that expose the messages as fake, authorities said.
Key warning from law enforcement
Police are reminding the public that government agencies will never ask for money, gold, gift cards, or cash over the phone or by email.
Anyone who receives such a request is urged to:
- Stop communication immediately
- Contact local police
- Talk to a trusted family member or advisor
Officials say quick reporting can help prevent additional victims and stop scammers before more money is lost.
Have you or someone you know encountered a similar scam? Share your experience or warning signs in the comments.
