Police warning not to fall for the old ‘fake gold’ scam

Police are warning people not to fall for the “fake gold scam” making the rounds once again.

RCMP in the B.C. Southern Interior said the scam is a recurring seasonal crime, but COVID-19 restrictions have likely contributed to its reduced prevalence early in the year.

Recent reports of the scam in Kelowna, Penticton, the North Okanagan and elsewhere suggest fraudsters are once again making their rounds.

“Generally these scammers approach their potential victims 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 RCMP spokesman Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.

“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,” he said.

There were 61 reports of the scam across the RCMP’s Southeast District between April and December 2019, conning residents out of an estimated $15,000.

In one such scenario, a scammer approaches his or her victim and offers to sell them gold jewelry. Of course, the gold isn’t real.

In other cases, a scammer asks for money, claiming to have lost their wallet and needs cash for hospital bills or to escape an abusive domestic relationship. Sometimes the gold is used as collateral.

“We recognize that many occurrences go unreported, as often times 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 O’Donaghey.