Pennsylvania State Police are trying to identify the owners of approximately $200,000 in gold bars seized during a traffic stop, along with others who may have fallen victim to a scam involving callers posing as federal officers.
Gold Seized During Interstate 80 Traffic Stop
Troopers stopped a silver 2025 Honda Accord with California registration on Interstate 80 near mile marker 203 on September 10. Police said they found gold and an identity theft affidavit in the vehicle and took its two occupants into custody.
A victim later told investigators the Honda looked like a car used to pick up gold on September 3. Investigators believe some of the seized gold may have come from other victims on September 9 or 10. Before the traffic stop, the Honda had been in the Coudersport and Smethport area, police said.
How the Reported Gold Scam Works
According to state police, callers claiming to represent ICE, the Department of Homeland Security or another federal agency tell victims that a criminal case is tied to their Social Security number. The callers have used names including Andrew Hall and John Allott.
Police said victims are instructed to keep the supposed case secret and send “I am okay” messages every two hours through Telegram and text. They are then told to withdraw money from bank or retirement accounts, buy gold, wrap it and hand it to a courier in a vehicle with out-of-state plates.
State Police Seek Information from Possible Victims
Anyone who turned over gold or cash on September 9 or 10, particularly near Coudersport or Smethport, is asked to call the Pennsylvania State Police Troop F Milton Criminal Investigation Unit at 570-524-2662. Callers should reference case PA 2026-1166513.