Perth County resident loses $320K in computer scam involving gold bars

As part of a scam, a victim was told to purchase over $240,000 worth of 100g gold bars from an online company. (Courtesy: Perth OPP)

A Perth County resident has lost $320,000 in a computer pop-up scam after receiving a notification there was a security breach of their personal information.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say in November, a Township of Perth East resident noticed a pop-up on their computer directing them to call a number provided due to the supposed security breach.

Police say the person on the other end claimed to work for Microsoft and remote access was granted to the victim's computer.

The victim was told their finances were compromised and were directed to withdraw $80,000 from their financial institution. They were also told to purchase over $240,000 worth of 100g gold bars from an online company.

The gold was delivered to the victim’s house by a delivery company, and on five separate occasions over a two-week span, people went to the victim’s home and picked up the cash and gold.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.P3tips.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

The investigation is ongoing.