Beware of fraudsters trading fake jewelry for money

West Shore

2024-02-07 10:55 PST

File # 2024-2209 and 2355

Recently West Shore RCMP has received 2 reports of a similar nature regarding fraudsters offering/trading jewelry for money.

On February 5, police received a report from a citizen advising they were walking near the 1700 block of Old Island Hwy when they were approached by a man and woman travelling in a vehicle with two youth in the back seat. The man and woman advised the complainant they were hungry and could not afford to eat. The victim gave them money for food and they offered a gold necklace in exchange. The necklace turned out to be fake.

Another report received on February 3, near Massie Close in Langford, a complainant advised they were walking along the road when they were flagged down by a male driving a Grey Mercedes SUV with a female passenger. The male claimed to have lost his wallet and needed money for gas to make it back home to Chilliwack and offered a gold ring and necklace in exchange for money. The complainant agreed and determined later that the jewelry was fake.

Suspect Descriptions:

• Middle Eastern male, about 5’6 tall in his late 30’s;
• Middle Eastern female;
• Driving a 4-door dark brown vehicle, possibly a Mercedes Benz with 2 youth in the back seat.

If you know who these suspects could be please call West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264 to report your information.

We want to warn the public against this type of fraud which often involves drawing the victim in with a sad or tragic story. It’s okay to say no and report suspicious activity to police right away. Make note of things like license plates and suspect descriptions to give police the best chance of catching these suspects, says Cpl. Nancy Saggar, West Shore RCMP, Media Relations Officer.

This is not the first time this type of fraud and possibly the same suspects have been active in the West Shore, see our previous release here.

For more information on how to protect yourself against fraud visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.
 

Released by

Cpl. Nancy Saggar

Email: westshore_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: westshore.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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