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OGDEN — Investigators believe a couple is scamming people out of cash in several states, including Utah, by selling fake gold bars.
Police said a woman stopped a shopper at a WinCo store, 205 W. 12th Street in Ogden on Sept. 9. The woman said she needed money for medical bills because her husband was in a Provo hospital with a terminal illness.
She then pulled a gold colored bar from her purse and said she would sell it for $10,000.
A man joined the conversation and said the gold bar was worth twice that.
The shopper believed the scam, withdrew money from a bank and gave the woman $10,000.
"They fall for it, and that second independent bystander person acting like he's authenticating the transaction makes it more viable to the victim," said Lt. Danielle Croyle of the Ogden Police Department.
The bar was made of brass.
"Most people don't approach you at a grocery store. They don't approach you at a library to sell this type of stuff. Usually it's you going to them to make those purchases, it's not the other way around," Croyle said.
The woman suspect is described as a Hispanic female, 40 years old, 5 feet tall, 150 pounds. She was wearing a navy shirt, black pants, a tan visor and carrying a long black purse.
The second suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 40 years old, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 180 pounds. He was wearing a blue shirt and gray pants.
If you recognize the suspects, please call Detective Rick Childress at 801-629-8348.
