Scam Artists Make Off with Cash, Gold From Perry Highway Jewelry Shop

McCandless Police are investigating the theft of cash and gold chains from the owner of a Perry Highway business, who reported he was scammed by two men who left him holding fake gold, according to KDKA-TV.

Daniel Dastranj, owner of Penn-West Gold & Diamond Co. at 8224 Perry Highway, reported to police that two men posed as jewelry sellers to scam him out of $1,600 and two real gold chains Saturday, according to KDKA. The business buys precious metals, diamonds, coins and estate jewelry.

Dastranj told police the men came into his business shortly before he was about to close at 4 p.m. and inquired about selling two gold chains, according to KDKA. After testing the chains to determine that they were indeed gold, Dastranj agreed to purchase them for $1,600, KDKA reported.

During the transaction, however, one of the men briefly balked and put a plastic bag containing the chains back into his pocket, KDKA reported. The man purported to change his mind and exchanged a plastic bag containing chains for the cash, Dastranj told KDKA.

After the men left the store, Dastranj realized he'd been given different, fake chains and notified police.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact McCandless Police at 412-364-0626.