Last week in Edmonton, a 70-year-old woman named Parwati Parwati experienced a disturbing encounter while out for her daily walk. A man in a vehicle called her over, and despite feeling initially safe due to the presence of a woman and two children in the car, she soon faced an unsettling situation. The man claimed that Parwati resembled his deceased grandmother and proceeded to give her a ring. When she attempted to refuse, he insisted she wear it briefly for a “blessing.” What started as a seemingly kind act took a sinister turn when he placed additional jewelry on her, all while stealing her meaningful gold necklace that held sentimental value.
After realizing her necklace was gone, Parwati felt devastated and betrayed. She had approached the car thinking the occupants might need assistance, but instead found herself the target of a scam. Her grandson, Sahil Prasad, took to Facebook to share the incident, warning others about similar experiences. Numerous comments on his post confirmed that other individuals had encountered similar scams, highlighting a troubling trend in the community. Prasad emphasized the importance of avoiding interactions with strangers, noting that his grandmother has been too scared to leave the house alone since the incident.
The Alberta RCMP has reported an increase in jewelry and gold scams, with victims often approached in public places like parking lots. The scammers frequently use a strategy of feigning a stranded situation, claiming they require assistance for essentials like gas or food. During these interactions, they employ distraction techniques to switch a victim’s real jewelry with inexpensive copies, as demonstrated in Parwati’s case.
Fraud prevention educator Julie Matthews has been vocal about the tactics scammers employ, particularly targeting vulnerable seniors. She underscores that scammers exploit the trusting nature of the elderly and emphasize the importance of being assertive. Matthews encourages potential victims to loudly decline any offers and seek help if needed, asserting that it is perfectly acceptable to refuse interaction with strangers.
Matthews notes that scammers are formulaic in their approach, often involving children or family members to appear less threatening. This facilitates their ability to manipulate victims and breach their personal space. She advocates for individuals to anchor their instincts and prioritize personal safety, asserting that if something feels off, it’s essential to disengage and not hesitate to walk away.
Finally, Matthews reminds the public that falling victim to a scam can provoke feelings of shame, yet it is crucial to report such incidents to law enforcement. Raising awareness about these tactics is vital to preventing further victimization. The alarming nature of this case and others like it serves as a call for vigilance among community members, urging them to remain cautious and skeptical—whether interacting with strangers in person or navigating the online landscape.
