BENTON COUNTY, Wash.-The Washington State Patrol is advising drivers to watch out for fake jewelry being sold along freeways in Eastern Washington.
Over the past two weeks the WSP has reportedly contacted four suspects after receiving multiple reports of people selling fake jewelry and watches near on-ramps.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of the recent scams is asked to call the WSP tip line at 509-249-6742.
The WSP is encouraging drivers to not interact with anyone selling anything on the side of the road and to call 911 as soon as safely possible with a location and description of the suspect’s car.
According to the WSP, the scammers have high-end rental cars and are stopping on the side of the road and flagging drivers down. The scammers are reportedly telling drivers that stop that they ran out of gas and will trade jewelry or watches for cash.
The WSP investigated the same type of scam in King County in March and have received reports of presumably disabled motorists flagging down passing traffic in Prosser, Benton City, Pasco, Richland and Kennewick.
Three incidents on October 4,7 and 9 are currently under investigation after WSP Troopers contacted suspects on the side of the road in the Tri-Cities.
On October 4, 2023 a suspect near the on the ramp at Road 100 and I-182 in Pasco was trying to sell air pods and jewelry to get cash for gas.
According to the WSP a suspect near the off ramp from I-82 to Benton City a teenager and an adult male were contacted by Troopers after trying to sell gold watches for gas money.
Another incident occurred on the ramp from Road 100 to I-182 in Pasco on October 9, however, when contacted by a WSP Trooper the individual claimed they were not selling anything, but just waiting for a friend.
