Fake gold scam returns to the Kootenays

Travelling fraudsters are once again attempting to dupe locals into buying fake gold and jewelry.

These con artists hit the Kootenays hard last year, regularly seen in higher traffic areas such as gas stations, grocery stores, shopping malls or plazas.

“They often target the kind of individuals who have a natural inclination to want to help someone in need or distress,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesperson for the BC RCMP in the Southeast District. “As we continue to transition into our new normal, RCMP ask residents to use their common sense and intuition to avoid such scams that will hit you in your wallet.”

The recurring seasonal crime series is well underway, as reports from Cranbrook, Kelowna, Penticton, Kamloops and the North Okanagan have already reached local RCMP detachments.

“RCMP Southeast District Crime Analysts found that a total of 61 reports of fake gold scams were reported to RCMP across the Southeast District, between April [2020] and December 2019. Scammers were active in both small town communities and large urban centers and conned residents out of an estimated $15,000.” Cpl. O’Donaghey added.

So far this year, the rate of fake gold scam occurrences are reportedly lower.  Cpl. O’Donaghey suggested that it could be in part due to the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions by British Columbia public health officials.

The RCMP provided some tips on how to recognize the fake gold scam should it take root in your town:

  • Scammer approaches their victim and offers to sell them gold jewelry, a transaction is completed and the victim later discovers the gold is not real;
  • Scammer approaches an individual and asks for money, often claiming to have lost their wallet and needs money for hospital bills or to escape an abusive domestic relationship. In this scenario, the con-artist offers gold jewelry to the victim as collateral. The victim later discovers the gold is not real and does not hear back from the suspect;
  • Scammers are usually both adult males and females and oftentimes appear South Asian or Middle Eastern, and sometimes claim to be from Dubai or Saudi Arabia;
  • Scammers are usually associated to and traveling around in rental vehicles, sometimes with small children;

“Oftentimes victims are embarrassed to acknowledge that they have fallen for these tactics. If you or a loved one has fallen victim to a similar scam, please call your local police.” said Cpl. O’Donaghey, noting many fake gold scams go unreported.

For more information on fraud prevention, please or visit the BC RCMP website or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

B.C. urges water conservation as drought deepens in some regions

British Columbia’s water, land and resource stewardship minister is encouraging residents to conserve water, saying drought is worsening in parts of the province. 

Tubs, a sweetie-pie cat just for you!

Meet Tubs! She is this week's Summit Radio Pet of the Week with the West Kootenay Branch of the BCSPCA. 

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued in East and West Kootenay

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for both the East and West Kootenay. 

Support local seniors through Kootenay Seniors’ 50/50 Raffle

Win up to $10,000 while helping seniors get where they need to go.

B.C. adds 5k jobs in June, led by gains in part-time work

British Columbia added 5,000 jobs in June but saw a dip in full-time employment, according to the latest jobs report from Statistics Canada. 
- Advertisement -