Investigators from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office made an arrest in a scam targeting people with false claims of a federal arrest warrant. The victim is then convinced to purchase gold and turn it over to the scammer to clear the warrant, according to the Sheriff's Office, in a news release.

According to the news release, this investigation began a few weeks ago when the daughter of an elderly person discovered the scam and reported it to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. The victim had recently purchased a new printer for their computer. In searching for tech support online, they found a number and called it, which fixed her printer problems. Shortly thereafter they were contacted by a person saying they were from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The scammer identified himself by using the name of a current FTC Commissioner.

"Pressure was then put on the victim saying there were arrest warrants out for them for drug trafficking and money laundering," said LCSO. "The victim was convinced they could satisfy the warrants by paying with gold."

The victim ordered $261,000 in gold from a legit online vendor. Once the victim confirmed with the scammer they had purchased the gold, the scammer arranged a “courier” to come to their home and pick up the gold, according to the news release.

The victim was in the process of making another $267,000 gold purchase when their family found what was happening and stopped the second purchase. This is when LCSO was notified.

LCSO, working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and assisted by Maine Drug Enforcement, stepped in to create a false transaction to convince the scammers that a new purchase of gold had been made. Fake documents were sent to the scammer, and a two day surveillance began.

On Friday, November 21, 2025, Gautam Harkhani, age 35, from Erwin, Texas was arrested when he arrived to pickup the new “gold” purchase. Harkhani was charged with Theft by Deception, a Class B Felony, and Criminal Conspiracy, a Class C Felony. He is currently being held at the Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset pending a $50,000 cash bail.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jared Mitkus at 207-882-7332 or jmitkus@lincolnso.me.

People can also provide information regarding this event via the Sheriff's Office tip411 line anonymously by texting the keyword LTIP and your tip to 847411.

Sheriff Brackett reminds the public that Law Enforcement and Government officials will never call to demand immediate payment for any reason. If you receive any calls that are out of the ordinary, HANG UP and REPORT THEM.