The Winter Park Police Department is warning the public of a jewelry scam that has already victimized two local residents.
Law enforcement officials have reported a recent uptick in a new scam that targets senior-aged men wearing expensive jewelry or watches. According to authorities, two incidents have been reported in Winter Park, with the first one taking place this past November.
During the first incident, a male and female suspect approached a victim asking him for directions. After the victim provided directions, the male suspect asked to have a moment of prayer together. While holding the victim’s hands, the couple managed to remove the victim’s jewelry from his wrist and replace it with a chain of lesser value.
During a second, similar incident, an individual became suspicious of a man and woman traveling in a white SUV who initially asked for directions. The suspects placed jewelry around the individual, who grew suspicious and gave it back.
Winter Park police say that multiple other local agencies have reported similar incidents.
If you are a victim of this scam and it happened in Winter Park, call the police department’s non-emergency line at 407-644-1313. If it happens in another jurisdiction, call 911.