About $6.5 million has been stolen from victims in what state police call a sophisticated fraud scheme that is under investigation.

Police are urging the public’s participation in what they called a “gold bar scam,” advising the public no legitimate law enforcement officer will instruct possible victims to purchase gold or give cash or gold to a courier.

Police said the organized fraud scheme, in which scammers impersonate federal law enforcement agencies, has resulted in victims being targeted across multiple states.

Investigators say the scam typically begins with a pop-up appearing on a victim’s computer. The victim is contacted by individuals claiming to represent federal officials.

Police said scammers tell victims their identity or Social Security number has been connected to criminal activity and their bank accounts or personal information have been compromised.

The scammers instruct victims to withdraw money from their accounts, purchase gold bars or coins, and turn the gold over to a courier for “safekeeping.”

Police said victims have been identified across the country and they believe there are additional victims who have not been identified. They are asking anyone who may have been targeted by this scam and had been instructed to purchase or provide gold to a courier in August and/or September, to contact investigators.

Police said a vehicle involved in this scheme has been identified as a silver 2025 Honda Accord bearing California registration 9TTS143. They said two people were taken into custody after state police stopped their vehicle on Interstate 80 in Union County on Sept. 10.

Anyone who believes they may have been victimized or who turned over gold or cash in connection with this scam is asked to contact Trooper Eric Dreisbach at 570-560-0625 and reference PA 2026-1166513.