OHIO — Two men are in custody after allegedly posing as FBI agents and scamming a 78-year-old woman out of nearly $200,000 worth of gold, according to police.
The Westlake Police Department said the scheme began in August 2025 when the victim called a fake “Apple Security” phone number that appeared in a pop-up on her computer claiming she had been hacked.
Investigators said the person on the phone pretended to be an FBI agent and convinced the woman she was required to assist in a federal investigation. She was reportedly instructed not to tell anyone.
Authorities said the victim was directed to withdraw large sums of money and purchase gold coins and bars. The suspects then went to her home and collected the gold, telling her it would be returned after the supposed investigation.
Police said a business later alerted the woman that she was being scammed, prompting her to file a report on March 26.
Officers then worked with the victim to arrange another pickup using fake gold. When the suspects returned to collect it, police had surveillance in place, including cruisers, drones and detectives.
The suspects were arrested at the scene.
Authorities said both men are facing felony charges of theft by deception and complicity to commit theft.
The investigation remains ongoing.
