CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (KDVR) — A suspect is behind bars after Douglas County deputies say he scammed a 79-year-old woman in Highlands Ranch out of more than $120,000.
In July, the victim got a pop-up on her computer saying she had a virus and to call the “888” number on her screen for help.
“The victim called the number, which connected her with our suspect,” Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly said.
The suspect on the other line, 26-year-old Sagar Patel of New Jersey, claimed to be a federal agent. According to deputies, Patel told the victim that her personal bank account had been compromised, and to fix the problem, she needed to buy two gold bars.
“The suspect instructed her to use her personal money to buy two gold bars each valued at more than $60,000 a piece,” Weekly said.
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A week later, the victim met the suspect at a convenience store in Littleton to hand over the gold. Deputies say the suspect assured her she would be reimbursed with a check, but that never happened. Fortunately, the victim got the license plate number, which led police to Patel.