Residents of Fort Nelson are being reminded not all that glitters is gold, after four alleged scammers were arrested and police spotted fake gold in their vehicle.
A scam reported to the Northern Rockies RCMP prompted a warning to others in the community. Mounties said the incident took place when they received a report of a black Dodge Caravan with Ontario plates pulled onto the side of Highway 97, about 36 kilometres north of Pink Mountain.
Outside of the Dodge, two adults were flagging down passersby, police said the van’s owner previously sold fake gold for gas money – while officers drove to the scene, they said they saw an Audi Q7, also with Ontario plates.
The driver and passenger in the Audi were believed by police to be connected to the alleged scammers in the Dodge, and all four people were arrested at the scene on August 18.
“During the search incidental to the arrest police located and seized fake gold hidden inside of the centre console, cash, and rolls of quarters,” said the RCMP.
Residents of Fort Nelson, and frequent travellers on Highway 97, were reminded by the police that everything is not always as it seems.
“Be aware of what someone is offering for sale as it may not be what you think it is,” said Sgt Christian Drabosenig, the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge at the Northern Rockies detachment.
Police did not say if the four individuals are still in custody or if any charges have been laid.
