Press Releases
Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection Releases New Podcast Episode on Gold Bar Scams
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) has released a new episode of its Consumer Connection podcast titled “Exposing Gold Bar Scams.” The episode uncovers the intricacies of these deceptive crimes, which have already affected Montgomery County residents and caused significant financial losses.
The podcast is hosted by OCP Investigator Michelle Escobar and features special guest Detective Sean Petty of the Montgomery County Department of Police Financial Crimes Section (MCPD). Detective Petty provides expert insight into how gold bar scams work and what residents need to know to protect themselves.
Episode highlights include:
• How gold bar scams start and what it looks like when you are being approached.
• What victims are told and how they are contacted.
• How scammers pose as imposters and persuade their victims.
• Practical advice to safeguard against these scams.
Detective Petty and Ms. Escobar also discuss a recent gold bar scam in Montgomery County, exposing the pressure tactics and deceit used by fraudsters. The goal of this episode is to equip listeners and their loved ones with the knowledge to avoid becoming victims of these fraudulent schemes.
This episode of the Consumer Connection podcast is available now on the OCP website and major podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify and Amazon Music.
Past Consumer Connection episodes have explored topics such as financial transitions, imposter scams, artificial intelligence, safe shopping, hiring new home builders and home improvement contractors, changes in the consumer landscape and emerging consumer issues. Listeners are encouraged to share questions or suggest topics for future episodes via email.
This podcast is produced by Maurice Valentine, outreach and education manager at OCP, with technical support provided by the Office of Broadband Programs in the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solution.
The Office of Consumer Protection is located at 100 Maryland Ave., Suite 3600, in Rockville. Walk-in hours are 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. For more information or to file a consumer complaint, call 240-777-3636 or visit the OCP website.
Stay connected with OCP on X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
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Media Contact: Brittany Clingerman 240-777-3732
Categories: Consumer, Podcast