A heartbreaking theft unfolded at Crossroads Market on Saturday, January 24, leaving a hardworking family devastated after losing $4,281.90 worth of gold jewelry to what appears to be an organized scam.
How It Went Down
Around 2:00 PM, two women walked into the family-run jewelry store with a game plan. Unlike typical shoppers, they didn't browse or ask about prices they went straight for the expensive stuff:
10k gold pendant: $1,450
10k gold chain: $950
10k gold men's ring: $1,150
14k gold chain: $528
The owners, a Vietnamese couple who've built their business through years of hard work, got nervous processing such a large amount. When the father called his wife over for help, both women started pressing buttons on the payment terminal.
A receipt printed showing "accepted." The payment app showed the transactions went through. Everything looked legitimate.
Hours later, the notifications came: the payments were fraudulent. A stolen credit card had been used.
A Bigger Pattern
These same women tried pulling the scam at other Crossroads Market stores that day. Luckily, those vendors' systems declined the card.
One vendor who avoided becoming a victim shared what tipped them off: "She was asking for many items, expensive ones and never asked for the price of them. This already alerted my 'potential problem' instincts."
That vendor got a clearer photo revealing a key detail one woman has a cursive tattoo above her right eyebrow. One wore a black coat, the other a brownish-black hoodie.
Why This Hurts
Beyond the money, there's the betrayal. Small family businesses run on trust and tight margins. For immigrants who've worked incredibly hard to build something here, this kind of theft cuts deep.
"Seeing my parents, who are kind, trusting, and just trying to make a living, be taken advantage of like this is heartbreaking," the family's daughter wrote online. "Small family-run businesses shouldn't have to go through this."
What to Watch For
This scam highlights vulnerabilities many small retailers face:
Customers selecting high-value items without asking prices
People touching your payment terminal during transactions
Relying only on printed receipts instead of processor confirmation
Ignoring your gut when something feels off
Help Bring Justice
Calgary Police are investigating under case number CA26036405. The family has video footage and is hoping someone recognizes these women especially the distinctive eyebrow tattoo.
If you have any information, contact Calgary Police Service at (403) 266-1234 and reference case CA26036405.
For a family that came here seeking opportunity and built their dream through hard work, this is more than theft it's a violation of trust. Let's hope Calgary's community can help make this right.
