The Winnipeg Police Service previously released a public advisory after receiving reports about a jewellery scam involving a male and female suspect.
Essentially the pair would approach people (typically senior citizens) and engage in conversation about the jewellery the victims were wearing. The suspects would encourage victims to try on some of their jewellery, or try and sell them their jewellery. Using sleight of hand and distraction techniques the suspects would replace the victim’s authentic jewellery with fake costume jewellery and then flee.
The suspect descriptions were similar and described as a female between 50-60 years old, with a scarf wrapped around her head, and a male in his 20-30s with a darker complexion. The vehicle was described as a dark, red or maroon SUV.
Police encouraged the public to be aware of this active fraud and how to make a report.
Update:
As a result of this messaging, investigators received additional reports from citizens and liaised with other law enforcement agencies. Investigators determined this scam was being perpetrated across Canada, although all the suspects have not been identified.
Two additional distraction thefts were reported at casinos in Winnipeg.
On November 16, 2024, at approximately 5:00 p.m., a male victim in his 80s, was outside a casino on Regent Avenue when he was approached by an unknown male asking him for directions. During the conversation the suspect asked the victim to hold a bag of jewellery at which time he stole the victim’s ring off his finger, and fled in the vehicle. The bag was confirmed to be fake jewellery.
On November 23, 2024, at approximately 2:15 p.m., officers were patrolling in the 400 block of McPhillips Street when security alerted them to a suspicious vehicle that was driving around and trying to sell jewellery to the patrons.
Police met with a 60-year-old male victim nearby who was swindled and paid the suspects money for what he believed was real gold jewellery that turned out to be fake.
Investigators in the Major Crimes Unit identified the suspect vehicle and where the suspects were staying.
A search warrant was executed on a vehicle and at a motel in Portage La Prairie and two individuals were taken into custody. A quantity of fake jewellery was seized.
A 42-year-old female and a 22-year-old male, both from Scarborough, Ontario, are facing a charge of Fraud Under $5,000, and the male is also facing a Robbery charge. They were released on an Undertaking.
If you are a victim of a similar crime or if you have information about the abovementioned incidents, please contact the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org