WINONA, Minn. — A gang is roaming the Upper Midwest and begging for cash in exchange for what they claim is gold jewelry. Although shiny, the jewelry is merely gold plated, said Winona County Sheriff Ron Ganrude. The Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center issued an alert that scams have occurred in parking lots and highway rest stops, first in western Nebraska. A recent incident was in Elk River, Minnesota. Be wary, said the alert, if approached either with a sob story or a real deal. The gang was described as multi-generational and heavily accented. The alert was issued for the Dakotas, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska.
Earlier: Jewelry-laden scammers may still be out there
Earlier: On-road scam scheme: Jewelry for cash