Nanaimo RCMP have issued a warning to the public regarding a fake gold scam.
The most recent incident occurred on Monday, July 28th at around 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Real Canadian Superstore located on Metral Drive.
The complainant told police that while he was loading groceries into his vehicle, he was approached by a man who appeared very upset.
The individual told the complainant that his wife was scheduled for an emergency surgery in Dubai and that he needed money to purchase a plane ticket to return home.
He then reportedly removed a thick gold necklace from his neck and two rings from his fingers, offering them in exchange for $400.
The complainant said he felt sorry for the individual and handed over the money. The suspect then left, driving away in a newer model green Jaguar SUV.
Upon taking the items to a gold buyer for authenticity testing, he was told the items were fake.
Police describe the suspect as a man of Middle Easter descent, who was wearing traditional clothing but without a head dress.
No further descriptor details were provided.
“This scam happens from time to time and is quite successful because it plays on our emotions,” said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
“Unfortunately, it is [sic] scam like so many others, and we must be vigilant when someone we don’t know asks us for money.”
To learn about this scam and others, you can visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre website.
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