Residents of Richmond are being cautioned by the local police regarding the proliferation of fraudulent gold and jewelry sales in the area.
According to Richmond RCMP, individuals employing various tactics are targeting unsuspecting victims, enticing them into purchasing counterfeit valuables and falling victim to theft.
One method involves perpetrators appealing to victims’ sympathies by claiming they urgently need to sell the items to support their families. In some instances, these suspects even go as far as involving family members, including children, to augment their fabricated financial distress, police disclosed.
In alternative scenarios, suspects have been reported to surreptitiously place fake jewelry on potential buyers before stealthily stealing their genuine possessions. Subsequently, they reclaim both the counterfeit items and the victim’s authentic jewelry.
Cpl. Adriana O’Malley emphasized, “If it seems too good to be true, it definitely is.”
Richmond RCMP issued a stern warning against engaging with individuals selling gold or jewelry on the streets or resorting to withdrawing money from ATMs or banks at their behest.
“We cannot stress enough: if someone approaches you on the street offering to sell you gold or jewelry, regardless of their explanation, say no and walk away,” O’Malley reiterated, underscoring the importance of vigilance in safeguarding against such scams.
