Police warn of gold scam
Thieves steal real jewelry, sell fake pieces
A crew of bold and fast-acting thieves are targeting seniors and recent immigrants with a gold jewelry scam that has prompted a warning from Edmonton police.
The scam artists have sometimes quickly removed their victim’s jewelry without them knowing and have sometimes used force. They have also sold fake gold jewelry.
Police suspect there are up to four dozen men and women in the crime ring and that some were involved in a similar crime spree last year.
“These thieves are very good at what they do. They target as many victims as possible in a short period of time before moving on. The sooner police can get involved, the sooner we can stop these criminals,” said acting Det. Emeric Derczeni.
Speaking at police headquarters, Derczeni displayed a bag of fake rings and necklaces that had been purchased by one victim of the scam. The person discovered the jewelry is not real when he took it to be appraised.
Derczeni said the jewelry has a different colour and weight than real gold and “it stinks.” The fake jewelry is approximately 85-per-cent copper.
“The best way of telling it’s not gold is the price it comes with or if it’s being gifted. People have to realize that no one on earth will gift you with a chain of gold, a gold ring, or sell you gold items at a discounted price. That’s the bottom line.”
There were 17 reported incidents this year resulting in the loss of about $13,000 in cash and property.
In a typical scenario, a senior citizen is working in the backyard.
A car full of people will pull up, one person will ask for directions, and then embrace the victim as a thank you. During that close encounter, the thief will switch the victim’s real necklace for a fake one.
In a March 6 incident, a 67-year-old man was walking from work to his car in southwest Edmonton when a female in a dark-coloured van asked if he wanted to buy some gold.
“The man declined, but the female offered him the jewelry as a gift. The man approached the van, leaned his head inside to try on the jewelry, and the female allegedly placed a gold necklace around his neck while removing his 14-karat gold necklace.”
The suspects are described as having dark complexions and dark hair, and heavy accents that may be Eastern European or Middle Eastern. They are believed to be in the Edmonton area; however, they may be travelling throughout Alberta.
No arrests have been made this year. Police fear the scams may increase as the weather improves and more people are outside, with their jewelry on display.
Derczeni said victims are often embarrassed when they find out they’ve been duped and are reluctant to come forward. He also noted that because the transactions are so fast, it’s important for bystanders to report suspicious activity.