File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

Jewelry Exchange Scam

Kamloops RCMP warn of fake jewelry scam after woman exchanges valuable necklace for two fakes

Mar 26, 2025 | 10:08 AM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops RCMP are looking for two suspects after a woman was tricked into trading her valuable gold necklace for costume jewelry.

On March 13 at around 2:30 p.m., RCMP say a woman was returning to her vehicle after shopping on the 900-block of Columbia Street West in Lower Sahali when she was approached by a man his in 30s and a teenage girl wearing a hijab. According to the police report, the woman was convinced to trade her real gold necklace in exchange for two that were fake.

In a news release issued Wednesday (March 26), RCMP say the two suspects were in a dark four-door sedan with an Ontario license plate.

“Unfortunately, it is not the first time Kamloops police have received reports involving this kind of scam,” Cpl. Crystal Evelyn says. “Similar scams pop up from time to time, usually involving people selling or trading fake gold in parking lots and presenting it as authentic.”

In late February, RCMP say they were told of someone believed to be selling fake gold in a parking lot on Halston Avenue. Additionally, similar incidents were documented locally in November and periodically throughout the year.

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“It can be easier than you think to get taken advantage of, especially when you’re busy with other things, such as returning to your vehicle after shopping,” Evelyn says. “Thieves take advantage of the fact that you may be distracted, and they are often skilled at creating stress, confusion and a sense of urgency in order to take advantage of people.”

Anyone with information related to the March 13 jewelry scam is asked to contact Kamloops RCMP.

Meantime, residents are reminded to not impulsively exchange money for items from strangers, trust their instincts, walk away or report suspicious activity.