Sheriff Seeks Scammers Selling Fake Jewelry While Stealing Real

HILLBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister is warning residents about a scam that's been perpetrated on at least 13 elderly residents in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

Since December, more than a dozen elderly residents have been approached by scam artists offering to sell jewelry. When the scam artist places the jewelry on the resident so the person can see how it looks, the scammer swipes the elderly resident's real jewelry.

“These suspects are taking advantage of one of our most vulnerable populations,” said Chronister. “We want to remind the community to stay vigilant, and if you have any information on these cases, please call HCSO. Even a small tip can be the one that helps us locate the suspects.”

The sheriff said the scam artists are described as Hispanic women in their 30s to 50s and Hispanic men age 30 to 40.

They use multiple vehicles including a white 2019-20 Ford Edge and a white 2015-16 Honda CRV.

Anyone with information should call the sheriff's office at 813-247-8200.