Police warn of uptick in reports of parking lot gold scams in Chilliwack, Hope: RCMP

CHILLIWACK/HOPE – A spokesperson for the Upper Fraser Valley RCMP detachment in Chilliwack is reminding the public to be wary of parking lot gold scams in which con artists try to sell fake goods and sometimes distract unsuspecting people by stealing their own jewellery.

According to a statement from RCMP spokesperson Corporal Carmen Kiener, police say there’s been an increase in scams linked to individuals attempting to sell suspected fake gold in parking lots, in some cases taking victims’ personal items.

In recent incidents in Hope and Chilliwack, individuals have been approached in parking lots by individuals claiming to urgently need money. They typically offer what they describe as “gold” jewellery at a discounted price, insisting on a quick transaction. During the interaction, victims may be distracted or confused, allowing suspects to swap items or remove the victim’s genuine jewellery without their knowledge.

Officers continue to investigate these incidents and are asking anyone with information to come forward.