The Washington State Patrol has issued a warning about an ongoing gold jewelry scam that has been occurring for years and has recently resurfaced in King County and other areas. Investigators believe that a group of men is behind these scams, which involve the deceptive sale of seemingly valuable but ultimately worthless gold jewelry.
The scam typically unfolds as follows: Scammers park on highway shoulders or off ramps and step into traffic to flag down drivers. They pose as individuals in need, claiming they require money to return home, often mentioning destinations like Miami. In exchange for financial assistance, they offer to leave their gold with the unsuspecting drivers and promise to repay double the amount once they return.
Once the drivers are convinced, they are coerced into taking the scammers to a bank or ATM to withdraw cash. Some victims have withdrawn several thousands of dollars, only to later realize they’ve been ripped off. Over the past two weeks, three individuals in King County reported falling victim to this scam, but authorities believe there may be more unreported cases.
The Washington State Patrol is actively investigating the matter and is reviewing luxury car rental records as part of their efforts. They are seeking the public’s assistance in locating these culprits. Citizens are encouraged to report any such incidents by calling 911, providing as much detail as possible about the location, time of day, and the suspects involved.
While this scam isn’t new, it continues to victimize individuals who may feel embarrassed or helpless after falling prey to it. Data collected by the Washington State Patrol since May 2020 shows 374 separate reports of scammers selling fake gold.
In addition to the highway scam, one viewer reported a similar scheme happening in the lower valley of eastern Washington, where smaller jewelry stores were allegedly selling fake or gold-dipped silver. In this case, a suspicious individual approached the viewer, showing them gold chains and asking if they liked gold. Such incidents underscore the need for heightened awareness and vigilance against these fraudulent schemes.