Gold scammers set up in East Bay Kohl's parking lot
Photo: (AP)
BRENTWOOD, Calif. (KTVU) - Police in Brentwood are investigating the sale of fake gold bars in an East Bay parking lot. Police sent out an advisory Tuesday night alerting that scammers had set up at Kohl’s department store.
There are two known instances of the scammers; the first in May and a more recent incident earlier this month, where the sellers told unsuspecting shoppers that they are “down on their luck” and needed the money.
After convincing the victims to pay for the gold bars in cash, those who had been duped realized what they had purchased was fool’s gold.
Police say criminals are looking for crimes of opportunity now that the holiday shopping season is here. They warn residents to remain vigilant, be aware of their surroundings and to be wary of anyone who approaches with a proposition. Police added to try and not shop alone if possible. If you should see any kind of this activity in shopping center parking lots, police advise to contact dispatch at (925)778-2441 to report the circumstances.