REGINA - The Saskatchewan RCMP is advising the public of recent fraud attempts involving supposed gold jewelry.
According to the RCMP, on Sept. 13 at approximately 2:45 p.m., the Carlyle RCMP received a report of fraud. An investigation determined a motorist approached another driver near Highway 13 and asked for gas money. The suspect then offered a gold ring in exchange for additional money.
Three days later, Shaunavon RCMP received a report that a male motorist flagged an individual down and asked for gas money. Once it was provided, the motorist asked for additional money and gave the individual a gold ring in return.
The incidents, though still under investigation, are part of a trend of potential fraudsters approaching people in parking lots, gas stations or other public locations and offering “gold jewelry” in exchange for money. The jewelry the fraudsters provide is not genuine gold and holds little value.
"If you are approached by someone trying to sell gold jewelry, do not follow through with their request and call the police," the RCMP said.
The Saskatchewan RCMP warns the public that fake gold scams often occur through the following tactics:
- A scammer approaches their victim, offers to sell or trade them 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 are in an emergent situation, such as needing money to pay a hospital bill or to escape a dangerous situation. The scammer then offers the victim gold jewelry as collateral. The victim later discovers the gold is not real and receive no further contact from the scammer.
- A scammer approaches their victim and asks for help, often asking the victim for directions. As a way to thank the victim, the scammer offers the victim gold jewelry. When the victim declines, the scammer takes their jewelry back along with jewelry the victim is wearing.
The RCMP asks the public to report all information about fake gold and jewelry scams to the local RCMP at 310-RCMP (7267). Information can also be submitted anonymously by contact Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
