Mounties are warning the public about scams involving fake gold jewelry in Saskatchewan.
On September 13, RCMP officers in Carlyle were told about a fraud case which saw a person approach a driver near Highway 13 and ask for gas money.
“They then offered a gold ring in exchange for additional money,” the RCMP said in a statement.
A similar incident happened just three days later on Sept. 16, police said, when a man flagged down a motorist in the Shaunavon area and asked them for gas money.
“Once it was provided, the motorist asked for additional money and gave the individual a gold ring in exchange for it,” the RCMP explained.
According to police, the incidents are part of a trend that sees fraudsters approach potential victims in parking lots, gas stations or other public spaces and offer “gold” jewelry in exchange for money.
“The jewelry the fraudsters provide is not genuine gold and holds little value,” the RCMP explained.
Read More:
- Senior Mounties say RCMP addressing concerns about lack of interference followup
- Sask. RCMP officers arrest mother who allegedly abducted three sons
- Man wanted for armed robberies dead after police chase: RCMP
“If you are approached by someone trying to sell gold jewelry, do not follow through with their request and call the police.”
The scammers sometimes claim they have lost their wallet or are in an emergency and may claim they need money to pay a hospital bill, the Mounties noted, or to escape from 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,” the RCMP said.