Police have seized fake gold bullion that was allegedly for sale on Facebook. Photo: ACT Policing.
A teenager has been arrested after police launched an investigation into a potential scam involving counterfeit gold bullion that was allegedly sold on social media.
ACT Policing said between 20 and 28 June, police received three reports of a scam involving the sale of purported gold bullion on Facebook Marketplace.
Officers were told that each time, the victims contacted the seller who then arranged to meet them at various locations in the Gungahlin area to complete the sale.
The seller allegedly produced receipts from the Perth Mint as proof the gold bars were legitimate, but these were later found to be fraudulent.
“The victims later took the gold bars to be independently appraised only to be told the items were either copper or gold-plated plastic,” a police spokesperson said.
A screenshot from Facebook Marketplace shows one 24-carat fake gold bar being sold for $2000.
Police raided a home in Taylor on 7 July where they allegedly seized counterfeit products and almost $3000 in cash suspected of being the proceeds of crime.
A screenshot from Facebook Marketplace that forms part of the police investigation. Photo: ACT Policing.
The police spokesperson said an 18-year-old man would be charged and face court in the future over the alleged fraud.
If you have information that could assist the investigation, or if you are a victim of this scam who has not yet contacted police, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website by clicking here. Quote reference 7785464.
Loading ...
