Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrells is warning older adults about an international scam that authorities say has stolen tens of millions of dollars from seniors. “Today’s criminals don’t need to break into our house,” Sorrells said Friday at a press conference. “They’re usi ng a Trojan horse that’s already inside. It’s our phone.” Law enforcement has seized more than $130 million in gold linked to the scheme, according to Sorrells. The scheme is directly connected to a raid at a Frisco jewelry store in January. Nearly two dozen people have been indicted, including couriers accused of collecting money and gold from elderly victims and jewelry store owners who allegedly melted down stolen gold before converting it to jewelry for profit, according to Sorrells. Authorities said the criminal enterprise has been operating since at least 2018 and targets older adults who are more likely to trust callers, answer unknown phone numbers and become frightened by claims their finances are at risk. The scheme typically begins with phone calls from overseas call centers, primarily in India, according to the district attorney’s office. Callers falsely claim a victim’s bank account, Social Security number or personal information has been compromised. Victims are then instructed to withdraw most or all of their money and are sometimes coached on what to tell bank employees or family members to avoid raising suspicion, Sorrells said. Victims are often told to purchase gold bars, buy cryptocurrency or withdraw large amounts of cash. Couriers posing as federal agents then arrive in person to collect the money or gold, promising to keep it safe. Once handed over, the money is gone, according to authorities. “One Texas victim handed over more than $2 million,” Sorrells said. “Now they’re destitute.” Authorities have identified about a dozen victims in Tarrant County and approximately 130 nationwide, though investigators believe many more cases have not been reported. “As large as these numbers are, we believe we barely scratched the surface,” Sorrells said. Sorrells emphasized that law enforcement agencies will never ask for gold, cash or cryptocurrency and urged anyone who receives a suspicious call to hang up and contact their bank directly. “If you receive a call claiming your accounts are compromised, it is a lie,” he said. “Do not withdraw money. Do not hand anything over.” Sorrells also issued a warning to those allegedly involved in the organization. “And to those who are participating in this criminal organization,” he said, “We’re not going to call you. We’re just going to come and take you to jail.” The district attorney said his office is willing to speak with senior groups to help educate older adults about financial scams. Anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized is urged to report it to law enforcement. Victims are asked to contact the Collin County Sheriff’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit at [email protected] or call the non-emergency line at 972‑547‑5350. The investigation remains ongoing. ...read more read less