A Queens woman, Eva Rothman, fell victim to an elaborate scam that wiped out her life savings of nearly $700,000. The fraudsters, posing as government officials, manipulated her over several weeks using fake warnings, official-looking emails, and threats—eventually convincing her to convert her savings into gold bars and coins.
How the Scam Began: A Talking Computer Warning
The scam started when Rothman’s computer froze, and a voice message appeared on her screen, warning her that her Social Security number was compromised. The message instructed her to call a specific number for help.
Upon calling, a man claimed to be from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and convinced her that her bank accounts were unsafe. He instructed her to withdraw her funds and transfer them into a so-called “gold reserve” for protection.
Building Trust Through Fake Officials and Spoofed Calls
To gain Rothman’s trust, the scammers:
- Sent official-looking emails.
- Used real names of government employees.
- Spoofed phone numbers to make it appear as if official agencies were calling.
Draining Bank Accounts to Buy Gold
Rothman eventually withdrew hundreds of thousands of dollars from her accounts and used the money to purchase 24-karat gold bars and coins from a local Queens store.
Store Owner’s Statement: Mohammed Aibani, the store owner, confirmed that Rothman made multiple visits to buy gold. When he questioned her unusual purchases, she claimed she was buying gold for her daughter.
After each purchase, the scammers arranged for a courier to pick up the gold and cash. Over the course of three trips, the fraudsters successfully stole $700,000.
Trapped by Fear and Isolation
The scammers kept daily contact with Rothman for over a month, instructing her not to tell anyone.
They warned her that she was under surveillance and could be jailed if she spoke to family or police.
Her family only found out when she posted a GoFundMe request on Facebook. Her son saw the post and alerted the family, who were shocked and devastated.
Financial Ruin & Family Struggles
With her savings wiped out, Rothman and her family are now struggling.
Her sister-in-law, Varda Rothman, shared:
- “We never thought we’d have to do things like go to a food bank.”
- “Her money was meant for her daughter, who has health challenges.”
Authorities & FBI Warnings on Similar Scams
- NYPD and FBI have been investigating similar scams, where scammers tell seniors to liquidate their assets and buy gold.
- Cases have been reported in Tampa, Florida, and Columbia, South Carolina.
How to Protect Yourself from Scams
- Never call unknown numbers from computer pop-ups.
- Government agencies will never ask you to withdraw cash or buy gold.
- Verify information independently before making any financial decisions.
- Avoid clicking on links in texts or emails from unknown senders.
- If unsure, consult family, your bank, or the police before taking action.
Final Warning: If someone is pressuring you to act quickly and move money—STOP. It’s likely a scam.
