LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — A 44-year-old New York man has been charged in a growing scam that targets elderly Americans, this time stealing over half a million dollars in gold from a senior citizen in Ephrata, Pennsylvania.
Zhong Ren, of Brooklyn, allegedly manipulated the elderly woman into believing that her life savings were at risk and persuaded her to convert her money into gold bars for supposed safekeeping by federal agents.
Police say the elaborate scheme began in March, when Ren gained remote access to the woman’s computer. He reportedly told her that her financial accounts were compromised and instructed her to convert her funds into gold bars, which would then be stored safely in the Federal Reserve vault in Philadelphia.
In April, individuals posing as federal employees visited the woman’s home twice, collecting gold bars valued at $555,892.
After what investigators described as a “complex” investigation, Ren was arrested and charged with multiple offenses including:
Theft by unlawful taking
Criminal conspiracy
Theft by deception
Impersonating a public servant
Ren is currently being held in Lancaster County Prison, awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 18, according to court documents.
National Warning on Gold Bar Scams
The FBI and police departments across the country have warned of a sharp increase in similar scams. In these cases, scammers typically contact victims under false pretenses, stir up fear with claims of compromised accounts, and convince them to convert funds into gold. Couriers then collect the gold—promising protection but ultimately stealing it.
Authorities emphasize that no legitimate government agency will ever ask citizens to buy gold or send couriers to collect valuables.
Anyone approached with similar demands should immediately contact local law enforcement or the FBI.
