Mounties in Nanaimo are warning the public of a scam being run locally, after a man was swindled out of $400 in exchange for a fake gold chain. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

buyer beware

Nanaimo man out $400 after swapping cash for fake gold jewellery from ‘desperate’ man

Jul 29, 2025 | 12:23 PM

NANAIMO — A local man is out $400 after his empathy and compassion overrode due diligence during a recent parking lot exchange.

RCMP say the victim was loading their groceries into the back of their vehicle at the Real Canadian Superstore on Metral Dr. on Monday, July 28 at around 12:30 p.m. when a man, who appeared to be of Middle Eastern descent, approached.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said the man dressed in traditional clothing was “desperate” and “begging for help”.

“He said that his wife was scheduled for emergency surgery in Dubai, and he needed to buy a plane ticket to get back home. He took off a very heavy, thick chain from around his neck and two rings from his fingers and offered them to the individual for $400.”

Wanting to help, the victim handed over the cash and received the jewellery.

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The man then drive away in a newer model green Jaguar SUV.

Upon taking the chain and rings to a gold appraiser, the victim learned the items were fake.

O’Brien admitted these types of scams surface from time to time, but are also often not reported to police.

“One particular case last year I recall, there was an individual who used a family, they said that they had been robbed and they needed to get a ticket to get on the ferry to get to Vancouver. In that case, they asked for $200. The bottom line is, if anybody comes up to you and asks you for money, you have to be wary of it and do your due diligence before you hand over cash.”

Amounts requested typically range from $100 to $400, O’Brien said.

He added it’s a tricky situation for police to investigate as anyone caught could claim they didn’t know the items exchanged were fake.

O’Brien also said fewer and fewer people are carrying cash in larger quantities.

“The question leads to are they being marked? Were they seen earlier, providing cash paying for their groceries, which led them to that individual? So, be aware as you are walking with cash, you might be the next mark that the scammers are coming up to.”

Those concerned about this, or other scams, should review the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website for an updated list of common scams affecting Canadians.

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