The Saskatchewan RCMP is warning people of gold jewellery scams in the province, with a recent occurrence here in the southeast.
On September 13 at around 2:45 p.m., the Carlyle RCMP received a report of fraud. An investigation into the matter found that a motorist approached another motorist near Highway 13, asking them for gas money. That motorist then offered them a gold ring in exchange for more money.
A similar report was received by the Shauanavon RCMP on September 16, when a male motorist flagged down an individual and asked them for money, before asking for more and giving a gold ring in exchange.
Both incidents, which are still under investigation, are part of a trend of potential fraudsters approaching people in parking lots, gas stations, and other public places to offer alleged gold jewellery for money. The actual jewellery provided is not legitimate gold and is often of little value.
Anyone approached by someone offering to trade a gold piece of jewelry in exchange for money is requested by RCMP to not follow the request and instead report the encounter to the police.
Additionally, the Saskatchewan RCMP gave a few situations which could be exploited by potential fake gold scammers:
- The scammer approaches the potential victim and offers to sell or trade them gold jewelry. Once bought, the victim then later discovers the gold is not real.
- The scammer approaches a potential victim and asks for money, claiming they have lost their wallet and are in an emergency situation and need money immediately for medical or other reasons. The victim is then offered gold jewellery by the scammer as collateral. Later on, the victim finds that the gold is not real and can no longer contact the scammer.
- The scammer approaches the potential victim asking for help, often with directions. The scammer then gives the victim gold jewellery as a way to thank them. When the victim refuses, the scammer takes both their own jewellery along with any other jewellery that the victim is wearing.
The RCMP asks people to report any information about fake gold and jewelry scams to their local RCMP at 310-7267.