Editors’ Note: Photos of the fake gold ingots are available via email from the Police Media Unit.

 City Central Police are warning the public to be wary of any persons offering cheap gold following a recent scam.

 Police had received several reports from the community in the past couple of weeks where persons had been duped into purchasing fake gold ingots, some in the form of Buddahs.

 Detective Inspector Maricic, Crime Manager from City Central Local Area Command said the two offenders are Asian appearance, speak Mandarin and aged in their early 30’s to mid 40’s.

 “The men contact the victims at random, striking up a conversation suggesting they have friends/relatives in common,” Det Insp Maricic said.

 “Once they gain the confidence of the victim, arrangements are then made to meet where the victim is shown the ingots. The victims are told the ingots are century-old evacuation site and that they are being offered for a cheap price so that the men can return home to China.

 “To gain the confidence of the potential purchaser, a small sample of the gold is made available and once analysed to confirm its authenticity negotiations continue. Unfortunately, the victim purchases ingots which are fake and worthless.

 “Some victims were also shown a piece of cloth which is alleged to be part of a will, which the offenders have produced to further support their claims that it has been discovered and the gold is real.

 “The reality is that victims are losing their hard earned savings to criminals. People should be aware of these scams. Take my advice and report this to your nearest police.

 “There has been anecdotal evidence that this type of scam has stung a number of people in the community who have been embarrassed about the incident and have been reluctant to report it to police. Police urge you to do so – you might be preventing someone else from becoming a victim of this crime.”