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A Big Island man was scammed in a jewelry purchase in Kailua-Kona, police said, and the individual who sold the fake jewelry was arrested for theft.

Police arrested 33-year-old Vasile Calin of Milton, Wash., on Monday in Kailua-Kona after a 62-year-old Big Island man reported he was a victim of theft.

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The victim told police he was approached by two men Saturday who told him that they were visitors and needed cash because their credit card didn’t work.

The 62-year-old then paid Calin an undisclosed amount of money in exchange for jewelry, which he was told was 18-carat gold.

However, after getting it appraised, the man learned all the jewelry was fake.

Calin was charged with first-degree theft, a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, and criminal simulation, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail.

Calin was released after posting $5,500 bail and is scheduled to appear Aug. 11 in Kona District Court.

Police said social media posts regarding a group of men soliciting jewelry in exchange for cash at public establishments have been making the rounds recently.

As a reminder, police urge the public to take extra precautionary measures when purchasing items from individuals with whom they are not familiar.

When purchasing jewelry from an individual, have it appraised by a licensed jeweler prior to purchasing it. And report all suspicious activity via the police department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311.