SAN DIEGO -- A man and woman have been scamming elderly people at strip malls by selling them fake jewels for thousands of dollars, police said Thursday.

At least three older women have fallen for the couple's scam, and investigators believe there are more victims, said San Diego police spokeswoman Monica Munoz.

The female approaches elderly women and tells them in Spanish she needs to return to Mexico or Puerto Rico to visit sick relatives, and that she has some valuable gems or rare coins and doesn't know what to do with them, Munoz said.

The male encourages the women to buy the items for several thousand dollars, saying he has a friend who can authenticate the jewelry or coins, Munoz said.

In one case, a woman bought a cubic zirconium she thought was a diamond, Munoz said.

The suspects are believed to be Hispanic, and the woman has long straight hair with no bangs, while the man has short dark hair and a double chin.

Possible victims were asked to call SDPD headquarters at 619-531-2000.