Crime & Safety
Pennsylvania ICE Impersonation Scam: Police Recover $200K in Gold
Milton, PA – Pennsylvania State Police are trying to identify the owners of approximately $200,000 in seized gold bars while searching for additional victims of an alleged scam involving people posing
By Jordan Mercer · 2026-09-22T15:30:36.649Z
Milton, PA – Pennsylvania State Police are trying to identify the owners of approximately $200,000 in seized gold bars while searching for additional victims of an alleged scam involving people posing as federal officers.
According to Pennsylvania State Police Troop F, investigators believe victims were told by alleged scammers to purchase gold or withdraw cash and hand it over to a courier.
Troopers stopped a silver 2025 Honda Accord with California registration on Interstate 80 near mile marker 203 on Sept. 10. Police said gold and an identity theft affidavit were discovered inside the vehicle and two occupants were taken into custody.
A victim later told investigators the Honda appeared similar to the vehicle used to collect gold on Sept. 3, according to police.
Investigators believe some of the recovered gold bars may belong to other victims who handed over gold on Sept. 9 or 10, particularly around Coudersport and Smethport.
Police said alleged scammers have claimed to represent ICE, the Department of Homeland Security or other federal agencies, sometimes using names including "Andrew Hall" or "John Allott."
According to investigators, victims are allegedly told a criminal case is connected to their Social Security number and instructed to remain silent and repeatedly communicate through Telegram. They are then directed to withdraw bank or retirement funds, purchase gold, wrap it and deliver it to someone in a vehicle.
Anyone who turned over gold or cash on Sept. 9 or 10, particularly near Coudersport or Smethport, is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police Troop F Milton Criminal Investigation Unit at 570 524 2662 and reference case PA 2026 1166513 .