July 29,2025
RED FM News Desk
Nanaimo RCMP is alerting the public about a fake gold scam. The latest incident in this recurring scam took place on Monday, July 28, 2025, around 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Real Canadian Superstore on Metral Drive.
The complainant told police that while they were loading groceries into their vehicle, they were approached by a man who appeared to be of Middle Eastern descent, dressed in traditional clothing but not wearing anything on his head. His body language and tone of voice made him appear very distressed.
The man told the complainant that his wife was scheduled for emergency surgery in Dubai and that he needed money to buy a plane ticket to return home. He then removed a thick gold chain from around his neck and two rings from his fingers, offering them to the complainant in exchange for $400.
Feeling sympathy for the man, the complainant handed over the money without hesitation. The suspect then drove away in a newer model green Jaguar SUV.
Later, the complainant brought the jewelry to a gold buyer to verify its authenticity and was told that the items were fake.
“This scam occurs from time to time and is often successful because it plays on our emotions. Unfortunately, like many other scams, we need to stay vigilant when a stranger approaches us asking for money,” said Nanaimo RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien.
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