Forum Topic

Gold Ring Scam

Outside St Mary's Ealing, just as I was going into a funeral service, so quite a few people around. Scammer picked up the ring and showed me the 'hallmark'. When I said I would take it into the church to see who it may belong to, she legged it. I put it on the wall while I spoke to a nearby group and another woman came, almost instantly and took it. When challenged, she too ran off. I spoke to as many people as I could about the scam and not one of them had heard of it.  I do wonder who would give them money; surely obvious to suggest they take it to a pawnbroker - plenty of them around these days.

Jan Norman ● 4848d9 Comments

I'm surprised you haven't heard of it as it's been around for a couple of years at least and has been mentioned on these forums several times. I daresay plenty of people agree to buy this worthless 'gold' ring but this scam, like so many, will work only on the greedy and dishonest.

Susan Kelly ● 4848d

This scam was on the news recently . The ring is worthless with a fake  hallmark . They have moved them on from Oxford Street a few week ago .

Peter Truesdale ● 4848d

Forum users often report when scams are local.Not obvious from my posting but I am aware of the scam but from conversations yesterday, many are not. Also, interesting that, although aware of such a scam, it took a few seconds to fully recognise it.

Jan Norman ● 4848d

I've had it tried on me in Paris and Cambridge so far.I laugh and tell them to take it to the police (and demonstrably secure my bag!)

Sara Nathan ● 4848d

Had the experience in Paris also. Some passers buy indicated we should move on quickly I like the classic scams. Good to keep the old traditions alive. Had an e mail from some Nigerian Prince offering me money the other day too.

Maire Lowe ● 4847d

I also came across it in Paris, twice in the space of about 20 minutes!

Susan Kelly ● 4847d

Saw the scam being performed at Westfield last week, couldn't find any security to report it to though.

Kim Rugg ● 4846d

last year outside the pawn broker,non english speaking over 50year old woman tried it on me ... after discusssion abut ring she just handed it to me so I said I would take it into police... she then caught me up in mrket st and asked for something for it ... gave it back... crazy!

Linda Gregory ● 4844d

You should have thrown it down the nearest drain.

dee cook ● 4844d