CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceCrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting Seniors
The NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
The NYPD is warning seniors about a jewelry swap scam, handing out flyers (at left) to community members. (Images courtesy of the NYPD 43rd Precinct’s Facebook page)
New York—The New York City Police Department is warning senior New Yorkers to be wary of jewelry scams.
The department has issued warnings about crews of thieves reportedly trying to steal jewelry from elderly people.
“The jewelry swap scam is a deception theft that targets primarily older adults,” said Lt. Kevin Kelly, NYPD’s chief of crime control strategies, in a video shared by the 43rd Precinct to its Facebook page last week.
The thieves approach older adults in the street in a friendly manner, asking for directions or offering them a gift, with children are often used as a distraction.
“They are targeting anybody that has visible jewelry,” said Kelly.
“At this point, they move in close. They might try to hug you or give you jewelry. [They] place fake jewelry around your neck while they remove the real jewelry, [then] take off. By the time you notice it, they’re usually off the scene.”
Related stories will be right here …
The department has issued warnings about crews of thieves reportedly trying to steal jewelry from elderly people.
“The jewelry swap scam is a deception theft that targets primarily older adults,” said Lt. Kevin Kelly, NYPD’s chief of crime control strategies, in a video shared by the 43rd Precinct to its Facebook page last week.
The thieves approach older adults in the street in a friendly manner, asking for directions or offering them a gift, with children are often used as a distraction.
“They are targeting anybody that has visible jewelry,” said Kelly.
“At this point, they move in close. They might try to hug you or give you jewelry. [They] place fake jewelry around your neck while they remove the real jewelry, [then] take off. By the time you notice it, they’re usually off the scene.”
There was a spike in jewelry swapping scams, the NYPD told ABC7 NY, with 11 incidents between February and March targeting older victims in Brooklyn and Queens.
Officials told the local news station that Stefania Alexandru, 22, reportedly scammed a 76-year-old woman out of a $3,000 necklace in March.
Police are still looking for other suspects.
“Keep your jewelry hidden. You don’t want to let anybody come close to you. You definitely don’t want to let people put their arms on you,” said Kelly.
If someone suspicious approaches, report it to the police, even if nothing was taken, advised officials.
Last month, police in Northern Virginia warned residents about a similar crime in which the thieves would come in for a hug and then swap out the victim’s jewelry.
More on Crime
The Latest
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue NileCloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of WorkforceEtsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.
Weekly QuizAug 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars PendantThe “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income ShoppersThe retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K MartiniSolomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San DiegoThe new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires GemlokNew York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry BrandSantana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store RobberiesThe 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
Lab-GrownAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s CollectionThe new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
