Alberta RCMP has received a number of reports related to gold and jewellery scams targeting people in parking lots across Alberta.
The scam follows a similar pattern or process as follows:
The victim is approached, often in a parking lot or flagged down by a seemingly stranded motorist.
The scammer then claims they need money for food, gas, or airfare to get home, and offers fake gold or jewellery for exchange. Victims are sometimes accompanied by the scammer to a bank ATM to withdraw cash or to a store to purchase gift cards.
In some cases, its been reported that the scammers use distraction techniques to remove real jewellery from a victim, and replace it with fake jewellery, according to a release. Scammers also utilize a distraction technique in businesses in order to steal higher-value items.
The scammer often cites hardship, such as the recent death of a family member, or referencing sad-looking children in their vehicles in order to solicit a sympathetic response from victims. This can include reference to religion or prayer. In most cases, the scammers are driving rental vehicles with out-of-province licence plates from Quebec, Ontario, or British Columbia.
"It is important to be aware while you are out in public. Always secure your valuables, and only purchase gold or jewellery from a reputable dealer. If someone approaches you in this manner, walk away."
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a gold or jewellery scam, contact your local police or RCMP at 310-RCMP (7267). If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the 'P3 Tips' app.
To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. To contact the RCMP non-emergency line while in any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction call 310-RCMP (7267).
