Richmond, British Columbia (BC) RCMP on April 13 issued a warning about gold and jewelry fraud in the area. There have been four recent scams in Richmond where people were sold fake gold and jewelry. One of the methods of fraud is “conversational guidance,’ in which buyers are appealed to their emotions or offered to sell at a lower price.
The other method is a “trick’ in which the victim wears fake jewelry, and when they return it, they take the victim’s real jewelry as well. Police warn that “These scammers are very clever with their words and will tell stories that will make their victims sympathize with them and make them give them money.’ For example, they try to gain sympathy by talking about how they need money to support their families or about their children.
He explained that similar incidents “unfortunately happen on a regular basis.” Police warned people not to be taken in by a story that is “too good to be true.’ If someone offers to sell you gold or jewelry on the street, no matter the reason, refuse and leave; do not go anywhere with such a person, including banks or ATMs, unless you are in danger.
They are warning people to report it to the police. If you have been victimized, we are calling on you to report it to the police in your jurisdiction.