Portland woman accused of selling more than $40K in fake gold

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A woman was arrested by Portland police after being accused of selling counterfeit gold to multiple victims for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Authorities said they’re now seeking more potential victims.

Last week, after an undercover controlled buy of the counterfeit gold conducted by the Portland Police Bureau, officers arrested 37-year-old Portland resident Christina L. Duncan. After the transaction on Aug. 19 held at a Northeast Portland coffee shop, Duncan was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center and accused of multiple counts of theft, including identity theft.

Portland police released images of both Duncan and the counterfeit gold items in hopes of identifying more potential suspects.

Police said the investigation began back in July 2024 when officers responded to a man who reported purchasing more than $22,000 in fake gold during four separate buys from the suspect in December of 2023.

A months-long investigation was conducted by the North Precinct Neighborhood Response Team, eventually resulting in identifying Duncan as the alleged suspect.

Police said Duncan “likely sold an additional $21,500 worth of fake gold to at least five other individuals dating back to 2023.”

Duncan faces charges that include first-degree aggravated theft, seven counts of theft by deception and identity theft.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of defrauding by the suspect is encouraged to contact Portland police.