A man was loading groceries into his vehicle at a grocery store parking lot in Nanaimo when he was approached by someone offering to sell his jewelry to help pay for his wife’s emergency surgery.
Nanaimo RCMP say this incident turned out to be a gold scam and is advising the public to watch out for encounters like this as they are becoming more common.
This most recent encounter happened around 12:30 p.m. on Monday at the parking lot of the Real Canadian Superstore on Metral Drive.
“The complainant told police that while loading groceries into his vehicle he was approached by a man who appeared to be of Middle Eastern descent wearing traditional clothing but without head dress. From his body language, and tone of his voice he appeared to be very upset,” said Const. Gary O’Brien, spokesperson for Nanaimo RCMP.
“He told the complainant that his wife was scheduled for emergency surgery in Dubai and that he needed money to purchase a plane ticket to return home.”
The man was wearing a thick gold necklace and two rings, which he removed and offered to sell for $400.
“The complainant felt sorry for the individual and without hesitation he handed over the money. The suspect then left, driving away in a newer model green Jaguar SUV,” said O’Brien.
It wasn’t until later when he had the gold assessed by a gold buyer that he learned the items were fake.
“This scam happens from time to time and is quite successful because it plays on our emotions. Unfortunately, it is a scam like so many others, and we must be vigilant when someone we don’t know asks us for money,” said O’Brien.
To learn more about scams and what to do in uncertain situations, visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre.
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