Scammers hawking fake gold and perfume in Abbotsford, police warn

The Abbotsford Police Department provided this photo when issuing a warning about fake goods being sold in the city.

A team of fraudsters is at work in Abbotsford, descending on would-be victims in parking lots to try to trick them into buying worthless counterfeit goods, according to authorities.

The Abbotsford Police Department issued a warning Tuesday after receiving “multiple reports” about the scam in recent days. Two men and two women, using rental cars, have been approaching people to offer to sell them fragrances, gold jewelry or other expensive items at too-good-to-be-true prices, police said.

“In one reported incident, an unsuspecting resident was offered an iPhone and a Rolex watch—both of which turned out to be counterfeit,” the warning said.

“In each case, the items being sold are fake and hold no real value. The suspects often claim to be in financial distress or out of money and needing to return home, using this narrative to gain sympathy and manipulate potential victims.”

Investigators have seized a “variety” of goods as part of the investigation, and police are urging the public to be on guard.

Victims, witnesses and anyone with information are urged to contact the department at 604-859-5225.