Fremont Police Warn Of Roadside Jewelry Theft Scam

FREMONT, CA -- Police are warning residents to be aware of a roadside scam where suspects use a jewelry ruse to steal from victims.

The latest such incident occurred Sept. 26, when a vehicle pulled over to the side of the road where a woman was walking in the 700 block of McDuff Avenue. According to police, as the woman walked down the street, a man in the passenger seat engaged her in a conversation by asking for directions. The woman approached the car in an effort to help the lost couple.

The man then told the woman that his mother had just passed away and it was a cultural custom to give away her jewelry. The man then handed the victim a ring and placed gold chains -- both of which were later determined to be fake -- around her neck. While doing so, he removed a real gold necklace from the victim’s neck. The car then left the area.

At least nine similar cases have taken place sporadically throughout the year, according to Fremont Police. In all cases, the suspect(s) placed fake jewelry on their victims, while removing jewelry of value.

"While the motive is consistent, we cannot definitely call this a crime series due to the varying descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle," the FPD said in a statement.

In eight cases, police say, the victims all reported the incident involved two suspects, a man and a woman. In two cases, the female suspect reportedly had gold front teeth.

The cases all remain open and active investigations. Anyone with information about any incidents is asked to contact the Fremont Police Department’s Investigative Unit at (510) 790-6900, or via the web at https://local.nixle.com/tip/alert/6216337.