A woman believed to be selling phony gold for cash is being sought by Windsor police.
Police say officers responded to a fraud call around 3 p.m. Monday on Hall Avenue near Cataraqui Street.
Officers learned that a woman, driving an older black Dodge Caravan, approached the complainant and offered what appeared to be a large bag of gold jewelry in exchange for cash. The woman told the victim that the gold was worth a lot of money and that she was selling it for less.
The victim was then told that the seller was trying to escape an abusive relationship and needed the money fast, according to Constable Talya Natyshak. There were multiple children in the vehicle at the time.
Police say the victim accepted the offer, and when she realized the jewelry was fake, called them.
The suspect is described as a female, 30 to 40 years old, about 4' to 4' 10" tall with a chubby build and green eyes. She was wearing a blue hijab, a black shirt, and a blue coat.
The Windsor police Financial Crimes Unit is asking anyone who may have had a similar interaction to give them a call. Anyone in the neighbourhood with security camera footage to share is also encouraged to pass it along.
Investigators are using this incident to remind people to be wary of anyone approaching them on the street with an "unbeatable" offer.
"If something appears too good to be true, it likely is. Always report suspicious behaviour to police immediately," said Natyshak in a media release. "If approached by someone trying to sell goods, especially under suspicious circumstances, a description of the vehicle, including the make, model and license plate, should be obtained if possible. A description of the occupants should also be obtained and reported."
Anyone with information should call Windsor police at (519) 255-6700, ext. 4334, or ext. 4000 after hours. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (519) 258-TIPS (8477).
