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MILTON -- Pennsylvania State Police are trying to identify the owners of approximately $200,000 in gold bars seized during a traffic stop as investigators search for additional victims of a scam involving people posing as federal officers.
State police at Milton said troopers stopped a silver 2025 Honda Accord with California registration on Interstate 80 near mile marker 203 on Sept. 10. Troopers found gold and an identity-theft affidavit inside the vehicle, and two occupants were taken into custody.
A victim later told investigators the Honda resembled the vehicle used to pick up gold from them Sept. 3, police said.
Investigators believe some of the seized gold may have been obtained from other victims on Sept. 9 or 10. Earlier Sept. 10, before the traffic stop, the Honda was reportedly in the Coudersport and Smethport areas.
According to state police, scammers contact victims while claiming to be officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security or other federal agencies. Callers have used names including Andrew Hall and John Allott.
The scammers tell victims that a criminal case is connected to their Social Security number and instruct them to cooperate and not discuss the situation with others, police said.
In some cases, victims are instructed to use the Telegram messaging app and send an "I am okay" message every two hours.
Victims are then directed to withdraw money from bank or retirement accounts, purchase gold, wrap it and turn it over to a courier driving a tinted, out-of-state vehicle, according to police.
State police are asking anyone who turned over gold or cash on Sept. 9 or 10, particularly in the Coudersport or Smethport areas, to contact the Troop F Milton Criminal Investigation Unit at (570) 524-2662.
Callers should reference case number PA 2026-1166513.