Fake gold scam costs New Westminster resident $1,800, police say
Police in New Westminster are warning the public to be wary of fake gold scams after a recent incident that cost a resident $1,800.
Authorities did not say when the scam occurred, but said the victim was walking in the Uptown neighbourhood when he was approached by a man and a woman driving a dark grey BMW SUV, accompanied by three children.
"The couple claimed to be wealthy visitors from Dubai that had recently been robbed of their cash," said the New Westminster Police Department in a news release Wednesday.
"The fraudsters said they were in need of cash for food and gas, and offered to sell their gold jewelry. The victim suspected he had been defrauded of $1,800 when the jewelry was tested and determined to be counterfeit."
Police said the male suspect is a man in his late 30s with "a medium skin tone," a medium build, a buzzed haircut and stubble on his face. He stands roughly 5'8" tall.
The second suspect is a woman with a medium build who was wearing a hijab and stands roughly 5'5", NWPD said.
Investigators are asking anyone with information that could lead to the identification of the suspects to come forward.
"Fraudsters bring children with them because they know it plays to the emotions of their victims and makes their sad story more convincing,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver, in the release.
“New Westminster is a compassionate city, and these scammers are aware that they can use that virtue to their advantage.”
Leaver added that scammers can be very convincing, sometimes renting luxury vehicles and wearing expensive-looking clothes to bolster their frauds.
"If you are approached on the street by someone selling jewelry or gold, we ask that you say no and report them to police," he said.
Victims of fraud are asked to report it to the NWPD by calling 604-525-5411.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE UPDATES Critical infrastructure 'successfully protected': Jasper park officials
Jasper National Park officials in an update said all critical infrastructure in the townsite has been 'successfully protected, including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant.'
Canadian Olympic Committee removes women's soccer team's head coach over drone scandal
The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed women's national soccer team head coach Bev Priestman over a drone scandal, according to a press release from the organization.
Yukon woman narrowly escapes bear attack, credits hair clip
A woman in Yukon believes her hair clip helped save her during a bear attack.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
'I was just shocked': Jasper lodge owner on seeing property destroyed by wildfire
On Wednesday night, the owner of Maligne Lodge in Jasper, Alta., was shocked to receive a photo of her business engulfed in flames.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
U.S. authorities have arrested 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel
Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.
Harris pushes Netanyahu to ease suffering in Gaza: 'I will not be silent'
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to help reach a Gaza ceasefire deal that would ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians, striking a tougher tone than President Joe Biden.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.