Police warn about jewelry thefts and scams

The lifting of COVID-19 restrictions has brought more opportunities for scammers and thieves to interact with victims. We are currently looking into a string of jewelry thefts and scams where people were approached while out and about.

Between Friday, May 15, and Sunday, May 28, 2020, there were five incidents that cost victims a combined $12,000. We believe these crimes are connected.

In most of these, the victims were approached by a stranger offering to sell them gold jewelry because the stranger either does not want it or needs money for an emergency. After buying the jewelry, the victims learned it was not gold. In one of the incidents, the strangers helped the victim try on a necklace to swap a fake necklace for the real gold necklace the victim was already wearing.

In two incidents, the suspects were driving vehicles with out-of-province (possibly Ontario or Quebec) licence plates and in one incident, the suspects had their children with them.

Anyone buying jewelry through a private sale is encouraged to get the items appraised by a professional before purchasing it. Shopping at reputable jewelry stores is another way to protect yourself from fraud. Finally, remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Anyone who is approached by a stranger trying to sell them jewelry on the street, or anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact us by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: “P3 Tips” app

Case #20188463/4724