Las Vegas Metro Police are warning families about a new kind of street crime that’s been hitting the valley for months.
A stranger walks up, acts friendly, asks for help, says a short “prayer,” and then walks away smiling.
But when the victim gets home, they find their necklace, bracelet, or ring is gone. And what’s left behind is a cheap fake.
Metro says this scam has been happening all over the valley since February.
At least nine cases have been confirmed, and officers think there are more that never got reported.
Please read below for details on a group of individuals targeting the elderly community.
The individuals are approaching victims and asking for directions. After the victim provides the directions the individuals offer up a prayer. While praying they remove jewelry from the… pic.twitter.com/8uWemZm8DS— LVMPD (@LVMPD) December 10, 2025
How the Scam Works
Police say the suspects usually work in pairs. They drive around looking for seniors who are alone and wearing nice jewelry.
It might be a gold chain, a wedding band, or a bracelet. Something that stands out.
They pull up in a car and ask for directions. Once they get a conversation going, they offer a “prayer” or “blessing” as a thank-you.
While they’re touching the person’s hands, shoulders, or neck, they quietly unclip the jewelry and replace it with a fake.
Many victims don’t notice until hours later.
Metro says the suspects appear to be Middle Eastern or Eastern European men and women between 20 and 60.
Witnesses say they have accents. The group switches cars often, which makes it harder for detectives to follow their trail.
Police described the cars as ordinary older sedans in colors like gray, black, or white.
This Isn’t Just a Las Vegas Problem
This same scam has been popping up in other cities.
Earlier this year, police in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles arrested suspects connected to more than 140 similar thefts.
The tactic was exactly the same. One suspect hugs or prays with the victim while the other swaps the jewelry.
There were reports from Canada this summer too.
Toronto police said they recovered about forty five thousand dollars in stolen jewelry after catching a crew running the same scheme.
So far, Metro has not announced any arrests here in Las Vegas, but they did release photos and videos on Tuesday, asking anyone with tips to call 702-828-8577.
Why Las Vegas Is a Target
The FBI has already said elder scams are rising nationwide.
In 2024 alone, seniors across America lost about 3.4 billion dollars to fraud. Jewelry thefts went up 15 percent in tourist-heavy cities like ours.
Las Vegas has a large retiree population, especially in areas like Sun City Summerlin, Anthem, Henderson, and around the northwest.
Metro says most of the local victims are over 75.
Some are afraid to report what happened because they feel embarrassed. Others don’t realize the jewelry was swapped until later.
What Seniors and Families Can Do
Metro recommends a few simple steps:
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Keep jewelry tucked inside your clothing when you’re out running errands.
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If someone approaches your car or tries to touch you, step back and stay alert.
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Offer directions from a distance.
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Report anything suspicious, even if nothing was stolen.
Family members can help too. Talk to parents and grandparents about the scam.
Remind them that saying “no thank you” and walking away is always okay.
Anyone with information can call Metro’s Robbery Section at 702-828-8577. Tips can also go to Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.
This scam works because good people try to be helpful. A little awareness goes a long way toward staying safe.
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