Little Rock FBI warns public of collectible coin scam

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Little Rock FBI office is warning the public of scammers falsely promising victims of profiting from buying collectible coins.

FBI officials said that scammers are alleging to have a collectible coin business and are promising victims a significant amount of money for selling their coin collections.

Once the scammers have received the coins, FBI officials said that they will give the victims are smaller amount of money and keep their coins instead. The scammers may also offer to sell collectible coins of less value to victims, officials said.

The FBI warned that scammers use tactics like fake imminent auctions or distressed sales to force a sale, however, victims will never receive the promised coins.

FBI officials offered the following tips to avoid the scam:

• Be cautious when receiving any unsolicited calls about purchasing or selling collectible coins.
• Do not pay in advance for collectible coins.
• Do not give your coins to someone who wants to take them for “appraisal.”

Anyone that has been a victim to the scam or similar fraudulent activity is asked to file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov .

The FBI is asking that the complaint include as much information as possible, including the name of the person or company, phone numbers and information about financial transactions.

Those who need assistance with filing a complaint may contact the Department of Justice Elder Justice Hotline at 833-372-8311.

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