The Bellevue Police Department issued a warning this week advising residents to be vigilant of an emerging scam involving strangers attempting to exchange fake jewelry for cash. According to authorities, incidents of this con, known as the “jewelry exchange” scam, have increased substantially this year with at least 10 cases reported to date. The scam typically begins with criminals flagging down drivers and concocting elaborate stories to convince them the jewelry is real and valuable. They will claim to be down on their luck and in urgent need of gas money or funds for a hotel room. As payment, they