The Prince George RCMP is issuing a public warning about the return of a fraud commonly known as the "fake gold scam."
This scheme, which has been reported in the area, involves scammers offering gold jewelry to unsuspecting victims in exchange for cash.
The jewelry, however, is not real gold and holds no value, police say, despite the scammer's claims that it is worth much more than the money requested.
Typically, victims are approached in parking lots or near ATMs, where the scammer uses emotional pleas and a sense of urgency to pressure them into making a hasty decision. The scammer often appeals to the victim’s sympathy, making them feel compelled to act quickly and without fully considering the consequences.
Police urge residents to stay alert and take precautionary measures to protect themselves from this type of fraud.
- Be cautious when approached by strangers offering goods for money, especially if they create a sense of urgency or emotional pressure.
- Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, it likely isn’t.
- Don’t hesitate to walk away if you feel uncomfortable.
- Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.
“Unfortunately, many victims of scams are reluctant to come forward, often out of embarrassment,” stated Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, communications officer for Prince George RCMP. “We encourage anyone who has fallen victim to a scam to report it. Doing so helps us improve public safety by giving us valuable information on where to focus our resources.”
