Senior Fraud Alert

03/20/2026

Strathcona County RCMP is warning residents about recent distraction thefts in the community.

Strathcona County, Alta. - Between February 1 and March 1, 2026, Strathcona County RCMP received five similar reports where victims were approached in business parking lots in Sherwood Park by unknown suspects using various distraction techniques in an attempt to steal items.

Strathcona County RCMP is highlighting theses thefts to the public in an effort to bring awareness to some of the tactics used by thieves and some safety tips.

Common tactics:

Victim is approached, often in a parking lot or flagged down by a seemingly stranded motorist.
Scammer claim they need money for food, gas, or airfare to get home, and offer fake gold or jewellery for exchange.
Scammers may try to sell fake jewellery or electronics.
Victims are sometimes accompanied by the scammer to a bank ATM to withdraw cash or to a store to purchase gift cards.
In some cases, it’s been reported that the scammers use distraction techniques to remove real jewellery from a victim, and replace it with fake jewellery.
The scammer often cites hardship, such as the recent death of a family member, or referencing sad-looking children in their vehicles in order to solicit a sympathetic response from victims. This can include reference to religion or prayer.
In most cases, the scammers are driving rental vehicles with out-of-province licence plates from Quebec, Ontario, or British Columbia.

How to stay safe:

- Remain vigilant at all times
- Secure your valuables.
- Be cautious of strangers in your personal space or attempting to hug or touch you.
- Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to say no or yell for help if you feel uncomfortable.
- Walk away from any suspicious person or behaviour.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by a distraction theft, or any other crime in Strathcona County, contact Strathcona County RCMP at 780-467-7741. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

03/14/2026

DID YOU KNOW...
It is estimated that only 10% of scams are reported?

Reporting fraud matters.
One report may seem small, but when combined with others, it can reveal patterns and help the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre to:
• identify trends
• support investigations
• prevent further victimization

Learn more by visiting the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website!
https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

03/12/2026

FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH
Remember...Someone charging to “help” you apply for benefits is a red flag!

Someone charging to “help” you apply for benefits is a red flag 🚩

Keep your personal information private 🔐

Get real help from us for free 👇

📞 Call 1 800 OCanada (1-800-622-6232)

TTY: 1-800-926-9105

💻 Use our service request form to receive a call back: https://eservices.canada.ca

🏢 Visit a location near you: https://offices.service.canada.ca/en

03/07/2026

FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH
31 Common Investment Scams and Red Flags
Investment scams are more common than you might think. But as an informed investor, you have the power to protect your financial future. With the right resources and tools, you can avoid falling victim to fraud.

Don’t let fraudsters take advantage of you and your hard-earned money. Build your confidence — learn to recognize, avoid, and report investment fraud.

Take the Quiz Here!

Learn the common investment frauds impacting Albertans and their red flags and test your fraud knowledge as an investor.

03/07/2026

Fraud Prevention Month:
Recognizing and Avoiding Investment Scams
Monday, March 16, 2026
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Online

Investing can be part of a healthy financial future, providing you with greater personal freedom, a healthy retirement, a sense of security or the ability to afford the things you want in life. Investment fraud can jeopardize those goals, but there are ways that you can protect yourself. Join us to discover the steps fraudsters rely on and learn how to help your friends, family and yourself stay clear from investment fraud.

Provided in partnership with Alberta Securities Commission (ASC), the regulatory agency responsible for administering the province's securities laws. Their mission is to foster a fair and efficient capital market in Alberta and to protect investors.

VISIT THE EDMONTON PUBLIC LIBRARY TO REGISTER
https://epl.bibliocommons.com/events/69209f890d45944c9e67af69

01/22/2026

As part of our commitment to financial wellness and seniors' fraud prevention, we're excited to partner with the ASC to bring you valuable resources and updates.

Don't miss out on their latest article on Top investment scams to watch for in Alberta in 2026: How AI-driven scams are shaping investment fraud.

Visit the Senior Fraud Alert website https://seniorfraudalert.ca/ for more resources and tips on how to protect yourself and loved ones from financial scams and fraud!

Data indicate that by 2026, the investment scams targeting Albertans will mimic people they trust through videos, group chats, or social media

01/08/2026

We're excited to share valuable resources from our partner, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), to support seniors' financial well-being and safety.

Don't miss out on their latest bulletin on Crime Stoppers Month

12/19/2025

THE 12 FRAUDS OF THE HOLIDAYS
A surprise message saying you’ve won a prize or vacation can feel exciting, but if you never entered a contest, it’s likely fraud. Fraudsters may ask for fees, taxes, or personal information before you can “claim” your prize. Real prizes don’t require upfront payments.

Protect yourself this holiday season:

12/19/2025

THE 12 FRAUDS OF THE HOLIDAYS
Many people give back during the holidays, and unfortunately, fraudsters use that goodwill to their advantage. Fake charities and high-pressure tactics are common.
Before donating, take a moment to verify the organization using the CRA List of Charities or by contacting them directly.

12/19/2025

THE 12 FRAUDS OF THE HOLIDAYS
Gift cards make great presents, but they’re never a safe way to make payments. If someone asks you to pay a bill, fine, or fee with a gift card, it’s always fraud.

When buying cards in stores, check that the packaging hasn’t been tampered with. Protect yourself this holiday season:

12/18/2025

Our friends at Alberta Securities Commission - ASC share how Canadians have changing the ways they invest, and how to build financial confidence. Stay informed and stay safe!

Younger Canadian investors are entering the market earlier, while older Canadians are adjusting how they manage their retirement