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Police warn public about gold-selling scam targeting Good Samaritans

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 12/20/2012 11:07 AM | Comments: 0

Winnipeg Police are warning local residents about a con scheme that has hit the city.

Police said individuals are approaching strangers in public places, offering to sell them gold objects in exchange for cash.

However, the gold is fake.

Police said in a recent incident, a local resident was approached by a man in the 3600-block of Portage who told him a sad story about needing money, clothing and fuel to get his young family back home to the Toronto area.

Police said the Good Samaritan believed the story and invited the man and his family back to his home, where he provided them with clothing. The Good Samaritan also agreed to buy the "destitute" family’s gold jewelry in exchange for a large amount of cash.

Turns out, the gold was fake.

The male suspect is describe as 30 to 35 years of age with a dark complexion, about 5’4" tall, 170-180 pounds, with a light brown goatee. At the time, he was wearing a baseball hat, brown jacket and light-coloured jeans.

The suspect vehicle is described as a newer model, white Toyota crew cab truck that possibly had Alberta plates.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 204-986-6231.

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