A jewelry scam was thwarted with help from Quinte West OPP Thursday.
Late Thursday night, police confirmed charges were laid following a complaint of two individuals allegedly selling fake gold jewelry.
In the early morning hours prior, at about 1:30 a.m., police said they received a complaint detailing how a victim was defrauded for more than $3,700.
“The victim was approached by the accused at a service gas station on (Hwy.) 401 selling gold jewelry,” said police.
“ After spending $3,735 on rings and chains, the victim advised they wish to purchase more, leaving the service station with the agreement the accused would follow them to a destination where the victim could retrieve more funds.”
However, upon closer inspection of the purchased jewelry, the victim decided to contact OPP with the accused still following their vehicle at the time, said OPP.
Officers said they conducted a traffic stop on Glenn Miller Road in Quinte West, and as a result of the investigation, two individuals were arrested resulting in a further $3,116 in cash, 9.8oz of fake gold jewelry and five counterfeit Apple AirPods confiscated.
As a result of the investigation, a 43-year-old Scarborough resident was charged with possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and fraud under $5,000.
Another Scarborough resident, 42, was charged with possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
None of these charges have been proven in court.
Both of the accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in Belleville court on May, 16, 2024, said police.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
