RCMP looking to ID man who offered fake jewelry and scammed a man and his family

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MISSION — Mounties in Mission say they’re looking to identify a subject who scammed over $2,000 from a man in the parking lot of a Mission mall last week.

According to a news release dated Friday, June 21, police say a man in the parking lot of a mall in Mission was approached by another man on Thursday afternoon, June 13, seeking help after he said he was from Dubai and had lost his wallet and all his bank cards. The perpetrator told the victim he needed money to get back to Toronto so that he could fly home from there. The perp offered his gold jewelry to the victim and requested cash or gift cards.

In response, the victim offered a combination of cash and gift cards to the man, who was with his wife and four young children. The victim later found out the jewelry was fake and lost over $2,000 due to the scam.

Mission RCMP are asking members of the public who recognize the photo of the suspect (attached to this story), or who has had a similar encounter, to contact them at 604-826-7161.

“This is also a good opportunity to remind friends and family of these types of scams,” Mission RCMP said. “Any situation where someone asks for payment in gift cards should be seen as a red flag. Retailers are also encouraged to be alert to the possibility that any customers looking to purchase a large quantity of gift cards may be in the process of being defrauded. Anyone unsure as to whether they are being targeted by a scammer can contact their local police, who can help them determine what steps to take to stay safe.”