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Roseville Today
By the People, for the People
Roseville Man Loses $1 Million in Gold Inheritance Scam
Police warn residents about common romance scam tactics after victim sent funds for months to cover alleged taxes and fees.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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A Roseville, California resident lost over $1 million in an online romance scam that began on a dating site in March 2025. The suspect claimed to have inherited 455 kilograms of gold, but said the victim needed to send money to cover storage and tax costs before the gold could be released. The victim sent funds for months before realizing the story was completely fabricated. Police are now warning the community about this common scam tactic.
Why it matters
Romance scams continue to be a major source of financial losses, often targeting vulnerable individuals. This case highlights the need for increased public awareness about common scam tactics, such as being pushed to move conversations off dating apps, sudden requests for large sums of money, and pressure to send funds quickly. Reporting these incidents early can sometimes help limit the damage, though recovering lost money is often difficult.
The details
According to the Roseville Police Department, the victim met the suspect on a dating site in March 2025 and then shifted to private messaging. The suspect claimed a family member had died and left 455 kilograms of gold, but more than $1 million was needed to cover storage and tax costs before the gold could be released. An individual later appeared, claiming to be an attorney and demanding $700,000 in legal fees. The victim was also told about a medical emergency involving the suspect's daughter, prompting additional transfers. By July 2025, the Roseville resident realized the entire situation was a scam and filed a report with the FBI.
- The victim met the suspect on a dating site in March 2025.
- By July 2025, the victim realized the situation was a scam and filed a report with the FBI.
The players
Roseville Police Department
The local law enforcement agency that is warning the community about this romance scam tactic.
Federal Trade Commission
The federal agency that provides guidance on recognizing and reporting romance scams.
FBI
The federal law enforcement agency that the victim filed a report with after realizing the situation was a scam.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
What’s next
Authorities emphasize that reporting early can sometimes help limit the damage and give investigators a better shot at tracking larger fraud operations, even though recovering money is often difficult once it is routed overseas or converted to cryptocurrency.
The takeaway
This case highlights the need for increased public awareness about common romance scam tactics, such as being pushed to move conversations off dating apps, sudden requests for large sums of money, and pressure to send funds quickly. Reporting these incidents early can sometimes help limit the damage, though recovering lost money is often difficult.
