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Four incidents involving this type of fraud have been reported to the Richmond RCMP.
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Public warning as fraud trend involving fake gold re-emerges in Richmond
Published 11:42 PDT, Mon April 15, 2024
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Richmond RCMP issue public warning in regards to fraudsters allegedly selling fake gold and jewelry in Richmond.
“Unfortunately, these types of frauds resurface periodically in our community”, says Corporal Adriana O’Malley, Richmond RCMP media relations officer, “we are issuing this public warning to bring awareness and educate people in the hopes of preventing further victimization.”
In the recent incidents, the suspects involved have employed two techniques. The techniques include:
- Verbal inducements, such as playing on a person’s emotions or selling the gold at a low price, that convince the victim to purchase the gold;
- Sleight of hand where the suspect places the fake jewelry onto the victim and then removes the victim’s actual jewelry along with the fake items.
The suspects committing these frauds can be very persuasive, often using stories that prey on the victim’s compassion to give money. These stories can include needing money to feed their family. The suspects in these series may also have their family, including children, present to add to the emotional pressure.
You should never go anywhere with the suspect, including a bank or the nearest ATM. If you are approached Richmond RCMP recommend that you immediately walk-away and when it’s safe to do so, report the incident to the police of jurisdiction.
To date, Richmond RCMP have received four reports involving this fraud type.
“This is an example of ‘If it seems too good to be true it definitely is’. We can’t stress enough if someone approaches you on the street offering to sell you gold or jewelry, regardless of their explanation, say no and walk away,” says Corporal O’Malley.
Richmond RCMP encourages all victims of fraud to come forward and report these incidents to the police of jurisdiction.
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