Police in Rockland are on the hunt for a man who allegedly scammed a victim out of $19,000 with a bait-and-switch coin scheme.

Seth Spivak, the owner of Clarkstown Coin and Jewelry, says the victim asked him to authenticate a batch of Canadian maple leaf pure gold coins on June 2. Spivak authenticated the coins, and said they were genuine.

The suspect was selling 24 gold coins, worth $1,200 each.

Police say that after the coins were authenticated, the crooked seller was waiting outside for the victim. They say the suspect took the coins back and switched them with fake coins that were in his pocket.

By the time the victim realized he was duped, it was too late. He had already given $19,000 to the suspect.

Investigators say the suspect, who was caught on surveillance tape, was also spotted in Spring Valley trying to pull off the same scam.

Clarkstown police say anyone with information is asked to call them at 845-639-5840.