'Can I have some gas money?' Sask. RCMP say gold jewelry scams remain prevalent around province
RCMP say fraudsters are continuing to sell fake gold jewelry to people in Saskatchewan and are asking residents to be vigilant.
Carlyle RCMP say that on Sept. 13 a motorist approached another driver near Highway 13 and asked them for gas money before they offered a gold ring in exchange for additional money.
The on Sept. 16 Shaunavon RCMP received a similar report of a person flagging down a driver and again asking for gas money before again asking for more cash in exchange for a gold ring.
“The incidents, though still under investigation, are part of a trend of potential fraudsters approaching people in parking lots, gas stations, or other public locations and offering ‘gold jewelry’ in exchange for money. The jewelry the fraudsters provide is not genuine gold and holds little value. If you are approached by someone trying to sell gold jewelry, do not follow through with their request and call the police,” an RCMP news release said.
Police did not say how much money people gave the scammers for the rings.
According to RCMP fake gold scams often occur through certain tactics:
- A scammer approaches their victim, offers to sell or trade them gold jewelry, and the victim later discovers the gold is not real.
- A scammer approaches their victim and asks for money, claiming they have lost their wallet and are in an emergent situation, such as needing money to pay a hospital bill or to escape a dangerous situation. The scammer then offers the victim gold jewelry as collateral. The victim later discovers the gold is not real and receive no further contact from the scammer.
- A scammer approaches their victim and asks for help, often asking the victim for directions. As a way to thank the victim, the scammer offers the victim gold jewelry. When the victim declines, the scammer takes their jewelry back along with jewelry the victim is wearing.
RCMP are asking people to report all information about fake gold scams to their local detachment or through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Olympian, veteran, first Canadian Indigenous police officer honoured in Belgium
Alex Decoteau didn’t live to see his 30th birthday, but what he accomplished in his 29 years of life was simply remarkable.
Here are new guidelines for preventing stroke
The majority of strokes could be prevented, according to new guidelines aimed at helping people and their doctors do just that.
Quebec police find escaped inmate
Quebec provincial police (SQ) found a man who escaped lawful custody in the Laurentians.
Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano unleashes towering columns of hot clouds
Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano spewed towering columns of hot ash high into the air Saturday, days after a huge eruption killed nine people and injured dozens of others.
ANALYSIS Trump’s gains with Latinos could reshape American politics. Democrats are struggling to respond
Trump had a clear edge among Hispanic voters “very concerned” about the cost of food. Half said he would better handle the economy than Harris.
Iranian American human rights activists expresses defiance over Iranian plots to kill her and Trump
In the middle of a Berlin hotel cafe, Masih Alinejad raises her voice and starts singing at the top of her lungs in Farsi, as waiters turn to watch along with the three German government bodyguards assigned to protect her.
Should Toronto tear up its bike lanes to improve traffic flow? Critics say it's not so simple
A congestion crisis, a traffic nightmare, or unrelenting gridlock -- whatever you call it, most agree that Toronto has a congestion problem. To alleviate some of the gridlock, the Ontario government has announced it plans to remove bike lanes from three major roadways.
Decluttering your closet 'has to be easy,' here's how
Decluttering your closet can be an easy task when you follow the "one in, one out" rule according to an Ottawa specialist.
Biden and Trump will meet in the Oval Office on Wednesday, the White House says
U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump will meet Wednesday in the Oval Office, the White House said Saturday.