By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter)

Edmonton police warn all that glitters is not Gold

Jan 9, 2017 | 1:56 PM

EDMONTON –  It’s the age-old adage, “When something seems too good to be true – it usually is”.  That is definitely the case in Edmonton, where police are warning the public about an offer that does not meet the gold standard.

Late last year, that city’s police department learned that counterfeit gold bars were being sold to residents and merchants across the city.  However, it is only be a matter of time before the scam filters to other areas.

The gold bars are professionally packaged and have an official-looking stamp on them and Const. Robert Wellon says, at first glance, it’s difficult to determine if they are real.

We tested the product for authenticity and quickly determined these gold bars were nothing more than copper bars plated in gold.”

 An Edmonton Police news release notes the counterfeit gold bars are being sold in various weight denominations and range in price. They weigh from 10 to 31 grams per piece and suspects are selling them for anywhere between $300 and $800 each.

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So far, a police investigation has recovered a total of 220 grams ($10,000 market value) of the counterfeit product.

“There have been approximately 20 sales transactions involving the counterfeit gold here in Edmonton alone,” says Wellon. “Store merchants are usually the primary target of this type of crime, but we are now starting to see this product being sold online through buy and sell websites, such as Kijiji.”

Edmonton Police encourage all buyers and merchants to ask questions and request a purchase receipt from the seller.   Anyone who has information about the counterfeit gold bars should contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.