Molinelli’s said that local people are being approached by scammers posing as immigrants at places such as gas stations, casinos and parking lots.

The scammers say they are stranded and need gas money and offer jewelry they claim is made of pure gold in exchange for cash. They approach their victims and persuade them to purchase the jewelry, Molinelli’s said.

The victims realize they have been scammed when they go to a local jewelry store to sell the so-called gold and find out that the items they’ve purchased are fakes.

Molinelli’s reported that they know of one person who was scammed out of $1,800.

“Please keep in mind, gold is very easy to liquidate and if someone is in possession of this much gold, they will not be in need of gas money or sell it for whatever you are willing to offer,” Molinelli’s posted on Facebook in a warning to local people about the scam.

Please be “wary,” Molinelli’s urged.