All That Glitters May Not Be Gold, Warn Richmond RCMP
RICHMOND – Richmond RCMP is warning the public about a scheme where victims are being tricked into purchasing “priceless” ancient Chinese treasures. In reality, these “treasures,” are utterly worthless.
This scheme has resurfaced in Richmond as late February of this year. The last reported incident was back in 2010.
In at least two instances, the suspect poses as a Chinese foreign construction worker who has allegedly uncovered a treasure trove of artifacts at a construction site. These artifacts are purported to be priceless gold ingots and gold figurines of Buddha. The suspect is willing to sell the trove to the victim at a substantial loss. It is important to keep in mind that the suspect may be using a variation of this scenario to deceive his victims.
The victims are all Asian women in their late 40s or older and are specifically fluent in Mandarin. They are typically employed in the field of traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncturist, herbalist, etc.). Some victims have been defrauded of several tens of thousands of dollars.
The suspect is an Asian male in his 30s and is a fluent Mandarin speaker. He may be working alone or accompanied by a second Mandarin speaking Asian male, roughly the same age.
“It is unfortunate for us to have to reiterate, but if a deal sounds too good to be true, it most likely is,” says Cst. Janice Xia of the Richmond RCMP.
If you have been a victim of this type of crime, please contact Cst. Janice Xia of the Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212. To leave a tip on this crime, please email [email protected] or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
