The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office is sounding the alarm on a spike in so-called 'jewelry distraction' thefts across the county and at nearby shopping centers, where suspects cozy up to victims, then quietly walk off with their gold. Deputies say the thieves often seem warm, polite or even affectionate before slipping off a necklace or ring. Many of the victims have been older adults, and officials say some incidents have specifically targeted members of the Asian community.
In a post on X Monday, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office said suspects have been using friendly conversation, unsolicited hugs, offers of "blessings" or fake gifts, and requests for help to distract victims while removing real jewelry. In some cases, deputies say, the crooks swap in costume pieces. The post urges anyone who realizes a theft is happening to call 911 immediately and asks witnesses to hang on to any fake jewelry left behind, since it can contain valuable evidence. The agency notes these thefts are being reported throughout Sacramento County and nearby communities.
PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT: The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office is warning our community about an increase in jewelry distraction thefts occurring throughout Sacramento County and surrounding areas. The suspects carrying out these crimes often appear friendly and non-threatening.
— Sacramento County Sheriff's Office (@sacsheriff) July 27, 2026
How the scam works
The tactic, sometimes called a "jewelry swap," usually involves two or more suspects. One person engages the target in conversation or offers a blessing or gift, while an accomplice quietly removes the victim's real jewelry and hands over a fake piece. The Jewelers' Security Alliance has tracked similar schemes nationwide, and law enforcement agencies say organized groups often move between counties and operate in well-rehearsed pairs or family units. Recent arrests and public advisories show these distraction rings can and do cross county lines, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
Where to be careful
According to the sheriff's alert, incidents have been reported at and near big-box stores and warehouse clubs, including Costco, Sam's Club, Walmart, Lowe's, Home Depot and Asian grocers such as 99 Ranch Market and SF Market. Parking lots and walkways are a particular hot spot, where a quick hug or hand-on-the-shoulder moment can be all it takes to make a necklace vanish. Community reports and prior coverage have documented similar distraction thefts in Elk Grove and Folsom in recent months, including rising distraction robbers targeting elderly jewelry wearers. Witnesses are urged to note license plates, vehicle descriptions and any video footage that might help investigators, and to share it with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office.
Safety tips
The sheriff and crime-prevention groups recommend not letting strangers place jewelry, scarves or other items around your neck, keeping expensive jewelry covered or leaving it at home for routine errands, and maintaining some distance from anyone who insists on physical contact. If you believe a theft is in progress, call 911. For non-emergency follow-up, the Sheriff's Office lists 916-874-5115 on its website. Deputies also urge victims and witnesses to keep any fake jewelry that was swapped in, since it may carry DNA or other trace evidence that can help solve a case, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office.
Officials are asking neighbors and family members, especially those who care for older adults, to share the warning and talk through these tactics with loved ones who shop at the listed stores. Anyone with information, video or photos connected to suspected jewelry distraction thefts is urged to contact the Sheriff's Office through the non-emergency line or by calling 911 if a crime is happening in real time.
