Police have charged a 33-year-old man with fraud following an alleged fake gold bullion scam on the Sunshine Coast over the last two months.
It will be alleged the man was advertising gold bullion bricks for sale on social media.
On June 10, it is alleged the man met with an interested buyer at a service station along the Bruce Highway at the Glass House Mountains and sold him three gold bullions for cash.
Upon further testing of the bricks, it was discovered they were not solid gold, but rather, gold plated copper.
The buyer reported the incident to police.
On July 6, it is alleged the man met with another interested buyer at the same service station. Police also attended the location and once the man allegedly presented the gold bars and a testing device, he was taken into custody.
Following investigations by the Maroochydore Criminal Investigation Branch, a 33-year-old Hornsby (NSW) man was located and arrested at the Glass House Mountains on July 6.
He has been charged with three counts of fraud, one count of attempted fraud and two counts of possess tainted property.
He was remanded in custody to reappear at Maroochydore Magistrates Court on August 4.
Police believe there may be other people on the Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas who have experienced similar incidents and urge them to contact police.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Mansfield warned potential buyers to be aware.
“Don’t fall for this scam and don’t purchase gold off advertisements on social media,” Det Snr Sgt Mansfield said.
“If you’re looking to buy gold, always use due diligence and go through a reputable gold trader who has an established business.”
Investigations are continuing.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
