Salmon Arm RCMP warning residents of fraudsters

January 6, 2026 - Salmon Arm, British Columbia
From: Salmon Arm RCMP

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Salmon Arm RCMP are warning the public of a seasonal crime trend that is currently active in the Okanagan, including the Shuswap area.

Suspects approach their potential victims in higher traffic areas, such as gas stations, grocery stores, or shopping plazas. The suspects claim to have lost their wallets, need money for hospital bills, or are escaping domestic abuse. There are two identified patterns employed in this scam:

1. Suspect approaches an individual and offers to sell them gold jewelry. A transaction is completed and later, the victim determines the gold jewelry is fake.
2. Suspect approaches an individual and asks for money or gift cards for the same type of reasons as above. The suspect offers gold jewelry to the victim as collateral. Later, the victim determines the jewelry is fake and does not hear back from the suspect.

The public is encouraged to use these tips to reduce their risk of being scammed:

• If someone asks you to buy gold or gift cards, talk to a trusted family member or friend before doing anything and protect your money.
• If you think you have been targeted or already lost money, call 911 or your local police right away. Salmon Arm RCMP can be reached at 250-832-6044.
   

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