A fraud victim in north Nanaimo was tricked into giving $400 to a suspect who claimed his wife needed emergency surgery overseas.
The incident took place at 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 28, in the Real Canadian Superstore parking lot, Nanaimo RCMP stated in a press release.
The victim was approached by a fraudster who was wearing Middle Eastern “traditional clothing.”
“From his body language and tone of his voice he appeared to be very upset,” the press release said. “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. He removed a thick gold necklace from his neck and two rings from his fingers, and offered them to the complainant in exchange for $400.”
The man felt sympathy and paid for the items, but was subsequently told by a gold buyer that the jewelry was not authentic, according to the press release.
“This scam happens from time to time and is quite successful because it plays on our emotions,” said reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson, in the press release. “Unfortunately, it is scam like so many others and we must be vigilant when someone we don’t know asks us for money.”
The suspect was seen driving away in a newer-model green Jaguar sport utility vehicle.
For more on scams such as this one, go to Canadian Anti Fraud Centre’s website at http://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/scams-fraudes/index-eng.htm.
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