Saskatchewan RCMP are investigating two gold jewelry fraud incidents from September. They ask the public to report all fraud incidents.
Two incidents that were reported last month remain under investigation.
On. Sept. 13, around 2:45 p.m., Carlyle RCMP responded to a fraud report, a Friday news release said.
“Investigation determined a motorist approached another motorist near Highway 13 and asked them for gas money. They then offered a gold ring in exchange for additional money,” the news release stated.
On Sept. 16, Shaunavon RCMP got a report that a male motorist flagged someone down to ask for gas money, the release said.
When the money was given, he asked for more and gave the victim a gold ring in exchange, the release added.
RCMP said these incidents are part of a fraud trend. “Potential fraudsters” approach people in parking lots, gas stations or other public spaces and offer gold jewelry for money.
The jewelry is not real gold and holds little value, the release said.
“If you are approached by someone trying to sell gold jewelry, do not follow through with their request and call the police.”
Fake gold scams often occur through the following tactics, RCMP said:
- A scammer approaches their victim, offers to sell or trade gold jewelry, and the victim later discovers the gold is not real.
- A scammer approaches their victim and asks for money, claiming they have lost their wallet and have an emergency, such as needing money to pay a hospital bill or to escape a dangerous situation. The scammer then offers gold jewelry as collateral. The victim later discovers the gold is not real and receives no further contact from the scammer.
- A scammer approaches their victim and asks for help, often asking for directions. As a way to thank the victim, the scammer offers gold jewelry. When the victim declines, the scammer takes their jewelry back, along with jewelry the victim is wearing.
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