Police warn of ‘gold for gas’ scam in Northern Rockies area

PINK MOUNTAIN, B.C. — Northern Rockies RCMP officers are warning residents of a potential gold scam affecting the region.

According to a new press release from the detachment, officers received reports on Monday, August 18th that two adults were flagging down motorists on Highway 97, roughly 36 kilometres north of Pink Mountain.

The two adults allegedly appeared to be driving a black Dodge Caravan with Ontario plates. Officers allege the owner of the vehicle is “known to have a history of selling fake gold for money to purchase gas.”

While officers were driving to the area, they encountered two more individuals they believed to be connected to the scam. According to police, they were driving a black Audi Q7, also with Ontario plates.

After arresting four individuals, police performed a search and said they seized fake gold located in the centre console of one of the vehicles, along with cash and rolls of quarters.

“We want the public to know that this type of fraud has come to our community,” said Sergeant Christian Drabosenig of the Northern Rockies RCMP. “Be aware of what someone is offering for sale as it may not be what you think it is.”

Anyone who suspects they’ve been a victim of a scam can report it to their local RCMP detachment or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.