Airdrie RCMP is advising the public of an increase in the number of “Emergency Scams” reported to the detachment this month.
"These scams are referred to as Emergency Scams, or sometimes “Grandparent” or “Grandchild” scams," stated a press release.
According to Airdrie RCMP, these scams often involve a phone call being placed to a selected victim, claiming a loved one is in trouble with the courts or law enforcement and a payment is needed to help them. The suspects will often pretend to be a police officer, judge, or family member.
"Suspects will usually ask for cash; however, they may also ask for payment in gift cards, bitcoin, or e-transfers," Airdrie RCMP stated. "The scammers will then send an associate acting as a courier to pick up the money in person or ask the money be mailed."
In terms of how to watch out for these scams, Airdrie RCMP wants to remind residents that bail is always to be paid in person at a courthouse or correctional centre, and to never send money to someone you don't know.
If a person claims to be a police officer or judge, RCMP recommended to call their police service or a courthouse directly to confirm the situation.
"Police and courts will never demand cash be picked up in person or mailed," the release stated, adding to never give out personal information over the phone or online to someone you don’t know.
"The police or courts will not ask for personal information over the phone," the release concluded.
Should you have fallen victim to this or any other scam, please call Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7200, or your local RCMP, as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or 1-888-495-8501). To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.
