(ST. JOHN’S, NL) August 21, 2017 – Since August 18th the RNC has received at least three fraud complaints from jewelry stores as well as another retail store in the metro area involving the use of a prepaid credit card.

In all cases a man has attended the retail stores and stated that he is from out of province. The man then purchases an item of jewelry and pays for it using a prepaid credit card. The stores are notified days later that the transaction was fraudulent. The amount of these frauds is approximately $20,000.

Since the first warning of this last week, we have obtained a description of the man. He is described as having tattoos on his arms, specifically a ‘spade like tattoo’ on his left hand. The man is said to be approximately 5’9”-5’11” tall with an average build. He is said to have stated that he is from British Columbia and staying at a hotel in St. John’s. Some of the names that he has provided to staff at retail locations are “Ian Nelson” and “Derick Parker” which we believe to be alias names.

The RNC believes these incidents are related and that the man may attempt to commit further fraudulent transactions.

The RNC wishes to remind businesses – especially jewelry stores – in the metro area to report all suspicious activity. Anyone who has information that may assist in this investigation is asked to call the RNC at 729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can now provide information anonymously on the NL Crime Stoppers Website at www.nlcrimestoppers.com         

 

RNC File #s 2017-48350/48371/48559

       

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Cst. Geoffrey G. Higdon #819
Media Relations / Social Media Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
1 Fort Townshend, St. John’s, NL, A1C-2G2
Twitter: @RNC_PoliceNL
Facebook: RoyalNewfoundlandConstabulary
709-729-8658