A Floral Park man says his gold chain was nearly stolen in an apparent sleight-of-hand scam.

Bruce Danoff says he was walking his dog Sunday on Emerson Avenue when a woman asked him for directions. He says the woman then tried to put a fake necklace on him as a "Thank you" while trying to steal his real 14-carat gold chain.

"I felt her hand on my neck when she did that, and I took my hand and just pushed her away,” Danoff says.

Floral Park police are investigating the incident.

"Luckily our resident knew exactly what was going on, backed up, told her to get away because he was well aware of these jewelry theft scams that have been going on,” says Sgt. Matt Viscusi.

Police are warning residents that if they're approached, to keep their distance and hide their valuables.

Anyone with information is asked to call police.