A Grimbsy couple has a warning for those living in the Golden Horseshoe after a strange interaction at a popular tourist pit stop.
The couple says they were approached by two women, who they believe were trying to scam them by taking their money in exchange for fake jewelry. The OPP say this is becoming a common scam in the area.
Andy Hervas was walking to his car in the parking lot of this Gateway Niagara service centre off the QEW in Grimbsy when he says two women pulled into the spot right next to him.
“They pulled out in front. Asked for directions on how to get to Montreal. Then they asked for some money because they said they had it stolen and they had no passport.”
When Hervas told the women he didn’t have money to give them they suddenly wanted to make a deal.
“They said, we’ll do an exchange right away for gold and just reached in their pockets and pulled out a large quantity of gold that looked kinda fake.”
It was Friday evening and Hervas, who is from Grimbsy, went into the popular tourist pit stop to grab a quick bite. He says the interaction with the women, he describes as being of East Indian decent, was quick but startling.
“It was just a very strange experience. It didn’t seem right from the beginning. it doesn’t seem right.”
His story isn’t unique. Many others in and around the GTA have been targeted by people asking for money in exchange for gold. Some people realize they are being scammed and begin snapping pictures and taking videos. While others, OPP say, have fallen prey to the scheme that takes advantage of ones generosity.
The Ontario Provincial Police say they have been receiving an influx of reports like this since January and are reminding anyone who may find themselves in a similar situation to say no, walk away and report it.
Hervas’ wife Richelle did just that.
“So the next morning I called a Niagara police station and they just said that if it happens again its best to call while the situation is happening, instead of after the fact.”
The couple says while they realized something wasn’t adding up they worry others may fall victim.
The OPP say charges have been laid in some instances and they continue to investigate reports of these kind of scams that take advantage of some people’s good nature. information such as a license plate number will help police track down the suspects.
