Police issue warnings about parking lot jewelry scam

CBC

18-07-2025

Police in Truro and Summerside are investigating scam jewelry sales.
On Tuesday, Summerside Police Services received a report of a man with a scruffy beard and a dark complexion offering gold jewelry at a reduced price. He was accompanied by family at the time, according to a news release.
Police say that two people brought the fakes into a local jewelry store later that day, saying they had purchased the items in a parking lot.
On Friday, Truro Police Service Chief David MacNeil said the force received three reports of a similar scam in the area. He said despite previous warnings from police, some have continued to buy the discount items.
"Someone will approach you and suggest that they need money to return back to wherever they may be heading, they're low on gas, have no funds and they'll offer a deeply discounted price on alleged gold jewelry," said MacNeil in an interview.
MacNeil said the fraudsters have been known to be driving newer rental vehicles with Quebec or Ontario plates.
"This appears to be their full-time job as they travel around the region and they're looking to take advantage of people," MacNeil said.
Cape Breton jeweler concerned about roadside scam
As Erin Pottie reports, people are handing over cash in exchange for what they think is genuine gold jewelry.
"If it's too good to be true, it typically is," he said. "And buying gold jewelry in a parking lot of a retail store is probably not a good idea."
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