By Chris Brown

Preying on compassion, generosity

Gold scams, distraction thefts on the rise across Alberta

Jul 9, 2020 | 3:13 PM

Gold scams and distraction-type thefts are increasing across Alberta, says ALERT’s Criminal Intelligence Service Alberta (CISA).

There have been 45 reported instances of gold scams or distraction-type thefts since the end of February, says ALERT. The majority of reported instances are from Edmonton and Calgary, but some are also taking place in communities like Medicine Hat, Drumheller, Leduc, and Tsuut’ina Nation.

“We are talking about organized, highly trained professionals who prey on people’s compassion and generosity for a criminal profit. ALERT wants the public to be aware of these types of scams, and also be diligent in reporting so police can catch these perpetrators,” said Supt. Dwayne Lakusta, ALERT chief executive officer.

Seniors are primarily the ones being primarily victimized. However, CISA believes these crimes are underreported due to embarrassment on the part of the victims. Reported losses total more than $30,000.

Organized groups will often frequent gas stations, grocery stores or busy roads and will flag down motorists or approach people in parking lots. Typically, they will attempt to sell fake jewelry or gold, or the suspects will touch the victim in some way — such as grabbing their arm or hugging them — and will remove their jewelry or take some other item of value. In a number of occurrences, they have approached victims offering them money they claim the victims dropped and use the close interaction to steal jewelry or money from them.

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Scammers will try to gain the sympathy of their victims by stating that they are trying to get back home, need to feed their families, or are having trouble with foreign credit cards.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.