The North Dakota Office of the Attorney General is sounding the alarm: scammers are posing as government agents and pressuring residents—especially here in Bismarck—to buy gold bars and hand them over for “safe storage.”
Over October 2025, state officials have fielded reports of a growing number of gold-buying schemes.
The scam typically unfolds thus: fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or government officials, claim there’s a threat to one’s finances, and insist victims convert assets to gold. Victims are told to deliver the bars to an “official” for safekeeping — but the gold never returns.
In many cases, scammers even send falsified documents to bolster their legitimacy and create a sense of urgency.
According to AG Drew Wrigley, this scheme is often paired with crypto or other high-value asset frauds.
Because Bismarck is the state capital, many residents handle state or governmental affairs, making the scam’s invocation of “official authority” more likely to resonate locally. Heightened awareness is essential — especially among seniors, retirees, and people managing retirement savings or investments.
“If someone tells you to move your money in this fashion to protect it, it’s a scam. No real government agent will ever tell you to buy gold bars, move your money, or hand over gold or cash to someone.”
If a caller or messenger demands you purchase gold and hand it over, hang up or refuse. Reach out to the AG’s Consumer Protection Division (701-328-3404) or your local Bismarck police to confirm legitimacy. Talk to a financial planner or attorney before moving large sums. Save all communications (emails, papers, caller ID) and submit them to state authorities.
This isn’t a distant threat. With Bismarck’s proximity to state operations, scammers may tailor strategies to exploit trust in government. If someone pressures you to convert assets into gold and hand them over in the name of “security,” treat it as a red flag. Stay alert, verify identities, reach out to trusted authorities — and protect your hard-earned savings.
A close-up of a gold bar or stack of gold bullion overlaid with a “scam alert” red banner and a silhouette of North Dakota or Bismarck skyline in the background.