Two people have been arrested in connection with a string of fake gold jewelry scams that targeted shoppers in West Shore parking lots earlier this year.
According to West Shore RCMP, a 45-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman from Ontario were taken into custody on March 7th following an extensive investigation by the detachment’s Crime Reduction Unit.
The pair are currently being held in custody on an unrelated matter, while the fraud investigation remains ongoing.
Police say the arrests are linked to a scam first reported in February, where suspects approached people outside busy retail locations with a convincing story.
Victims were told the individuals had run out of money for gas or food and were offered what was claimed to be gold jewelry at a heavily discounted price in exchange for cash.
In reality, investigators say the jewelry was fake or of little to no value.
At the time of the initial warning, RCMP reported at least nine incidents in the West Shore area since the start of the year. In some cases, suspects were accompanied by young children, which police believe may have been used to gain trust and lower suspicion.
Despite the arrests, investigators caution that the issue may be broader.
Police believe more than two individuals could be involved in similar scams across the region and are urging the public to remain vigilant.
Residents are advised not to purchase items from strangers in parking lots or public places, especially when stories involve urgency or financial distress.
Anyone who encounters suspicious activity is encouraged to report it to their local police department as soon as possible.
RCMP say timely reporting can help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
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