Police warn of organized jewelry fraud scam

Squamish

2021-11-17 16:48 PST

File # 2021-7636

Squamish RCMP are warning community about an organized jewelry fraud scam that targets seniors/Elders. Fraudsters conduct thefts by distracting people with fake or cheap jewelry or watches they place on their potential victim and then steal the real jewelry. Alternatively, fraudsters make a plea for money from innocent victims and give them cheap jewelry once they get money.

Today Squamish RCMP started a file when a family of four in a grey-black Dodge Journey with an Ontario licence plate approached their victim. The man who spoke with the victim said the family needed money to return to Ontario. The victim gave a sum of money to the man who in return gave him some cheap jewelry and a fake identification card.

Squamish RCMP remind community members to not share personal information, give cash, e-transfer funds, give gift cards to people they do not know, accept any so-called gifts from strangers, or allow strangers into personal space. In addition, people should ask many questions to verify stories of suspecting people and report any suspicious activity to police.

These fraudsters try to use moral appeal to reach their unsuspecting victims, says Corporal Angela Kermer of the Squamish RCMP. It goes against our grain not to be compassionate, but arming ourselves with knowledge can help us not become victims.

Squamish RCMP asks anyone with any information about any crime to contact the detachment at 604-892-6100, or, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or, go to www.solvecrime.ca

For more information on awareness and prevention of current scams and fraud, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
 

Released by

Cpl. Angela Kermer

Email: EDIV_S2SMediaRelations@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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