Fraudsters are prowling on people in the West Shore area, where they disguise themselves as a “normal-seeming family” and sell fake jewelry after telling victims “an emotionally charged story,” according to Mounties.
In a news release Monday, West Shore RCMP say they’ve received numerous reports of fraudsters who engage with their victims in high-traffic areas like parking lots and gas stations.
“The suspects typically appear to be a normal-seeming family of three or four in a vehicle,” said RCMP, noting that oftentimes it’s an adult man and woman with children.
“The suspects will attempt to sell the victims gold or jewelry, and will usually provide an emotionally charged story about needing cash urgently for gas, ferry tickets, child care or some other family emergency.”
The suspects offer to sell the goods for less than their presumed value “in the interest of getting quick cash to deal with their emergency,” noted RCMP.
“Victims later learn that the jewelry is actually completely fake and worth much less than advertised,” reads the release.
“The police investigation is ongoing, however, it is important for the public to be aware that these fraudsters may be operating in the area and to exercise a healthy skepticism of any strangers attempting to sell items on the street.”
Anyone with information about the fraudsters or who has been a victim and has not yet spoken with police is asked to call West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264.
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