Fake gold scam circulating again in PG : RCMP

It appears all that glitters is not gold in a place like Prince George.

Local Mounties are warning residents of a scam that has resurfaced in the city, often referred to as the “fake gold scam”.

What typically happens in this type of fraud is that a victim is approached in a parking lot or sometimes as they are leaving a bank machine, and is offered gold jewellery in exchange for cash, with the reported value of the jewellery being much higher than the value of the money requested. However, the jewellery is not actual gold but is worthless in value.

Police say these scams often use a combination of urgency and desperation on the scammer’s part to tug at the heartstrings of the victims, causing them to make quick decisions on the spot.

Some prevention tips to safeguard yourself against fraud include:

• Scammers often use desperation, urgency or emotional pleas to trick victims. Don’t impulsively exchange money for items from strangers.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
• Feel free to walk away.
• Report suspicious activity. If you encounter a similar situation, report it to the police immediately.

“Unfortunately, victims are often unwilling to make a police report, perhaps out of a feeling of embarrassment for having been caught in a scam. We encourage anyone who has been made the victim of a scam to report it to the police as this helps us enhance public safety by allowing us to determine where best to deploy our resources,” stated Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.