Swindlers who get close enough to their victims to switch real jewelry for junk are preying on individuals walking alone in Santa Clara, police said.
The scam, known as “jewelry swap swindling,” involves people traveling in vehicles who approach a victim, “often engaging in conversation by asking for directions or pretending to know them,” police said in a press release.
“During the interaction, the suspect may place fake gold jewelry on the victim, sometimes under the guise of gratitude or as part of a friendly gesture, such as a hug or close contact,” according to police.
As the victim is distracted, the suspect surreptitiously swaps the victim’s real jewelry, such as necklaces or rings, for costume jewels, police said.
In South San Francisco, two people were arrested Jan. 18 after an 86-year-old woman was victimized in a jewelry switch. As a woman from an SUV gave the victim a hug, she swapped the victim’s real jewelry with fake jewelry and then drove off, police said.
The police warn against accepting gifts or engaging in close physical contact with strangers.
Anyone who witnesses or falls victim to the scam is asked to take note of the suspect’s description and vehicle. Contact the Santa Clara Police Department at (408) 615-5580 to report it.