Man nabbed in Glass House Mountains for alleged Coast gold bullion scam

A 33-year-old man has been charged over an alleged social media gold bullion scam on the Sunshine Coast with fake bricks handed over at a service station.

A 33-year-old man has been charged over an alleged social media gold bullion scam with fake bricks handed over at a service station.

A man who allegedly sold people fake gold bullion on social media, which was in fact gold-plated copper, has been charged with fraud.

It will be alleged the man was advertising gold bullion bricks for sale on social media.

On June 10, it is alleged the 33 -year-old met with an interested buyer at a service station on the Bruce Hwy at the Glass House Mountains and sold him three gold bullions for cash.

Police will allege that upon further testing, it was discovered the bricks were gold-plated copper.

The buyer reported the incident to police.

On July 6, it is alleged the man met with another interested buyer at the same service station.

Police also attended and once the man allegedly presented the gold bars and a testing device, he was arrested.

He has been charged with three counts of fraud, one count of attempted fraud and two counts of possess tainted property.

He was remanded in custody to reappear at Maroochydore Magistrates Court on August 4.

Police believe there may be other people on the Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas who have experienced similar incidents and urged them to contact police.

The alleged scam lasted about two months.

Sunshine Coast Criminal Investigation Branch officer-in-charge Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Mansfield warned potential buyers to be aware.

“Don’t fall for this (alleged) scam and don’t purchase gold off advertisements on social media,” Det Snr Sgt Mansfield said.

“If you’re looking to buy gold, always use due diligence and go through a reputable gold trader who has an established business.”

Investigations are continuing.