News release

North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP warn public about increase in parking‑lot “fake gold” frauds

February 17, 2026 - Duncan, British Columbia
From: North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP

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Duncan, B.C. — February 13, 2026 — The North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP is advising the public of a recent increase in reports involving individuals attempting to sell fake gold jewelry or requesting cash in exchange for jewelry in parking lots throughout the Cowichan Valley.

Several calls for service have been received between February 5 and February 9, with most incidents occurring in the Cowichan Commons area during morning hours.

The following incidents have been reported to police:

• February 5: Security at a financial institution on Trunk Road reported a male withdrawing a large amount of cash while holding jewelry believed to be fraudulent. The male was described as having long brown hair. A grey SUV was associated to the incident.
• February 7: A complainant reported a vehicle attempting to sell gold or jewelry in a commercial parking lot. The involved vehicle was not located.
• February 9: A complainant reported an attempted sale of a fake gold ring near Dollarama. The suspects were associated to a black SUV.
• January 22 (Delayed Report): A complainant reported being approached in a Save‑On‑Foods parking lot by a male requesting money for fuel. The complainant provided cash after being offered jewelry which was later determined to be fake.

Similar incidents have been reported in other B.C. jurisdictions.

These incidents typically involve suspects approaching members of the public in parking lots, claiming to need urgent assistance or offering jewelry at a significantly discounted price. In each case, the jewelry later proves to be of little or no value.

Police advise the public:

• Do not buy jewelry from parking lot sellers.
• Do not hand over cash to strangers in exchange for jewelry or promises of repayment.
• End the interaction and move to a safe location.
• Note descriptions (people, vehicles, plates, time, location) if safe to do so.
• Call police to report as soon as possible.

“Frauds of this nature can be very convincing and suspects often rely on creating a sense of urgency,” said Cst. Tessa McDonald, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP. “We want to ensure the public is aware of this activity so they can make informed decisions and report suspicious behaviour to police.” 

Anyone who has been approached in a similar manner, has dash‑cam footage, or has information that may assist investigators is asked to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250‑748‑5522.