Beware of fake jewellery scammers active in the mid-island

June 12, 2026 - Parksville, British Columbia
From: Oceanside RCMP

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Oceanside RCMP File #'s 2026-5432 / 2026-5435

Fraudsters are active in the mid-island area trying to sell fake jewellery or steal real jewellery from unsuspecting residents using well practiced scam techniques.

On the morning of June 6, 2026, Oceanside RCMP investigated two incidents in Parksville where a man driving a black Audi SUV stopped and sought directions from pedestrians.  During the conversations, the man and his female passenger handed jewellery to the pedestrians in a ruse to either sell them the jewellery or steal the jewellery they were already wearing.  In both instances, the people refused the offers and the vehicle sped away. 

A short time later in Nanaimo, using the identical approach, the same suspects were successful in stealing jewellery when the female passenger placed a necklace she was trying to sell around an unsuspecting person’s neck and in the process removed their real gold necklace.

The man and the woman are both described as East Indian or Syrian and heavy set.

In these scams, the fraudsters approach people claiming a family emergency and that they have run out of money or that they are lost and are seeking directions.  They offer jewellery at a deep discount or try to place jewellery on you or give a hug as a gesture of thanks.  The jewellery they are selling is always fake with no value or through expert sleight of hand they steal your real jewellery and simultaneously give you a worthless fake. 

“These fraudsters are well trained and will appeal to your emotions,” says Sergeant Shane Worth of the Oceanside RCMP.  “If anyone approaches trying to sell or give you jewellery, be aware that it is likely a scam and walk away.”

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