‘Gold scammers’ out on I-5, Washington State Patrol warns

Washington State Patrol (WSP) is warning Whatcom County residents of people trying to sell fake gold from their vehicles along I-5.

WSP trooper Kelsey Harding wrote on Twitter that ‘gold scammers’ were attempting to sell fake gold jewelry for $5 near Sunset Drive in Bellingham on February 20. The people were trying to sell the jewelry from a gray Mercedes-Benz with temporary Texas registration.

The scammers typically say they are in an emergency and need money, offering fake gold jewelry, which they say is real, in exchange.

Harding said in a phone interview that WSP started organizing statewide data on the issue in May 2020. WSP has seen an increased presence of the scammers in Snohomish County, compared to other locations in northwest Washington.

So far this year, there have been three gold scamming incidents in Whatcom County, with the first reported on February 3. There were no incidents in 2022.

“They’re looking for people who have compassion,” Harding said. “If people are trying to trade you, don’t fall for it. It more than likely won’t be real gold.”

WSP troopers impounded the vehicle on February 20 because the driver didn’t have a car seat for a child who was under four years old, they had been reported for erratic driving on I-5, no one in the car had a valid driver’s license and the vehicle was located in a tow zone.

Harding recommends anyone who comes in contact with a gold scammer should call 911, even if it’s after the interaction, so the state agency can track their whereabouts.

“We’re trying to contact as many gold scammers as possible to show law enforcement is doing something about it,” she said.