The NYPD is making sure New Yorkers are aware of a jewelry scam on the streets. 

In a tweet, the NYPD says the bandits first engage in conversation then aim for a swap of jewelry, later leaving residents with cheap and fake jewelry. It's a scam jewelry experts say has been happening for years.

"Sometimes if it's too good to be true, it is too good to be true," says jewelry expert at Studio Jewelers in Co-Op City Rafael. The NYPD says the scammers tend to play off the jewelry swap as a gift, prayer or blessing and often target older New Yorkers.

With the holidays approaching, experts say the trend is likely to increase. 

The NYPD is asking New Yorkers who see something to say something and contact Crime Stoppers at 1800-577-TIPS.