On two separate occasions over the previous weeks, individuals have reported being approached at area gas stations by an individual claiming to be stranded, needing money to purchase gas so that he and his family may return home. In exchange, the scammer offers to sell the individual jewelry for far less than retail value. In both instances reported to the Sheriff’s Office, the jewelry was found to be fake and did not have the monetary value for which it was represented.
During the most recent occurrence, the victim reported that the scammer was traveling with what appeared to be his wife and children in a white SUV.
Please be aware that instances of scams such as this are on the rise and remember the old adage, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”