CAPE MAY — Cape May police are warning residents about a sophisticated scam in which criminals pose as Apple representatives and federal agents, threaten victims with arrest and, in some cases, instruct them to purchase gold bars as payment.
Police said Thursday that victims in recently reported incidents believe they lost a substantial amount of money and were then instructed by the scammers to liquidate additional assets.
The scheme typically begins with a phone call or email purporting to be from Apple, according to police. Victims are told their Apple account or computer has been compromised and are connected with someone claiming to be an Apple representative.
The victim is then instructed to install software or an application that gives the scammer remote access to the computer.
Once inside, the scammer claims to have discovered illegal or suspicious activity.
Fake federal agent threatens arrest
The scheme then escalates.
Police said another person contacts the victim and claims to be a federal agent, often falsely identifying themselves as being associated with the U.S. Department of Justice or another federal agency.
The victim is told that a federal warrant has been issued for their arrest.
Scammers then threaten that the Cape May Police Department will arrest the victim unless a supposed fine or settlement is paid.
To make the threat appear legitimate, scammers may provide official-looking badges, warrants, case numbers and other documents.
Cape May police emphasized that those materials can be fabricated, along with caller ID information, telephone numbers and email addresses.
“The Cape May Police Department will not demand payment over the telephone to prevent an arrest,” the department said.
Victims told to buy gold bars
In some cases, the scheme takes an unusual turn: Victims are told to liquidate assets and purchase gold bars.
Police said scammers may then arrange to have the gold picked up or delivered in Cape May as purported payment for the fine.
“Federal agents and legitimate law enforcement agencies will not instruct you to purchase gold bars to pay a fine, warrant, or investigation,” police said.
Legitimate companies such as Apple also will not direct customers to purchase gold bars, gift cards, cryptocurrency or other valuables to resolve an account problem, security issue, investigation or debt, according to police.
Residents should never provide unsolicited callers with banking information, passwords, Social Security numbers or other sensitive information.
Police are also warning residents not to allow callers remote access to their computers unless they have independently verified who they are dealing with.
Police: Don't be embarrassed to report it
Anyone receiving a call or email from someone claiming to represent Apple, the Department of Justice, Cape May police or another government agency and threatening arrest unless money or valuables are immediately provided should end the communication and independently contact the organization through an official telephone number.
People who believe they have been victimized should preserve emails, text messages, telephone numbers, documents, receipts, banking records and transaction information and contact Cape May police.
Anyone who has already provided banking information or transferred money should also immediately contact their financial institution.
Police stressed that victims should not allow embarrassment to prevent them from coming forward.
“Do not be embarrassed to report a scam,” the department said. “These criminals use sophisticated social-engineering techniques and deliberately create fear and urgency to prevent victims from taking time to verify their claims.”
The department is also asking residents to discuss the scam with relatives and friends, particularly older adults who could be targeted.
The advice from police is straightforward: Stop, verify and do not send money or valuables.
