Based on coverage from Times Colonist, CHEK News, Victoria Buzz, Oak Bay News, and Lake Cowichan Gazette.
Fake Jewelry Scam Targets Greater Victoria Residents
Residents of Greater Victoria are being urged to stay alert as a fraudulent scheme involving fake gold jewelry circulates the region. The Sidney/North Saanich RCMP has issued a warning after multiple reports of a South Asian couple approaching individuals at local gas stations, claiming they need money to return home. In exchange for financial assistance, the couple offers what appears to be gold jewelry, which later turns out to be counterfeit.
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Incident at Peninsula Gas Station
The scam came to light when police responded to an incident on December 9th at a gas station on the Peninsula. The couple, described by the RCMP as South Asian, approached a victim with a plea for help, offering several pieces of jewelry as collateral. The victim later discovered the jewelry was fake. The suspects were last seen leaving the area in a dark-coloured SUV.
Ongoing Scam Since Late November
This scam is not an isolated incident. According to the RCMP, similar cases have been reported across the Capital Regional District since late November. The pattern suggests a coordinated effort to exploit the goodwill of unsuspecting residents. Const. Benje Bartley, media relations officer with Sidney/North Saanich RCMP, emphasizes the importance of vigilance and encourages the public to report any suspicious encounters to local authorities.
Public Urged to Report Suspicious Activity
With fraud cases on the rise, the RCMP is advising residents to be cautious when approached by strangers seeking money. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports that over 23,000 Canadians have fallen victim to various scams as of September 30, 2025. Authorities stress the importance of reporting any suspicious activity to help prevent further incidents and protect the community.
As the holiday season approaches, it's crucial for residents to remain aware of potential scams and exercise caution in their interactions. The RCMP continues to investigate these incidents and urges anyone with information to come forward.
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This story was built from multiple outlets. All of them reported on the jewelry scam involving a South Asian couple in the Capital Regional District, but they highlighted different aspects of the police warning and incident details:
- Times Colonist emphasized the timeline by stating the scam has been happening since late November and urged residents to be vigilant.
- CHEK News included a direct quote from Const. Benje Bartley of the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP, adding an official voice to the warning.
- Victoria Buzz focused on the geographical area by referring to the scam as circulating throughout Greater Victoria, rather than just the Capital Regional District.
- Oak Bay News highlighted the method of the scam, describing it as someone feigning distress to sell jewelry, providing context on the scam's nature.
- Lake Cowichan Gazette mirrored Oak Bay News in describing the scam's method but uniquely labeled it as a "jewelry for cash" scam, emphasizing the transaction aspect.
