Elderly Ottawa couple loses $460,000 in gold investment scam

Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin St. is seen in this undated photo. (CTV News Ottawa)

Ottawa police say an elderly couple has lost $460,000 in a gold investment scam.

“In gold investment scams, criminals use pop-up messages that look like they are from trusted sources on the victims’ computers, convincing them that their online financial information has been stolen,” Ottawa police said in a statement.

“Once the suspects have gained the victims’ trust, they convince them to buy gold and then arrange to pick it up, leading to significant financial loss. The victims are told not to tell their family or bank.”

Police encourage the public to not buy gold or gift cards from unexpected pop-up messages, emails and phone calls.

They also suggest speaking with trusted friend and family members before investing in gold or gift cards to protect your money.

According to police, anyone who believes they’ve been targeted or have lost money should call 211 or local police. Victims of fraud can make a police report online.

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App