As Fraud Prevention Month wraps up for March, unfortunately, that does not mean the scams will stop.  

Alberta RCMP Federal Serious & Organized Crime Branch is warning that the “Grandparent” or "Grandchild" frauds are rearing their ugly heads again.  

In the month of March alone, RCMP has received five complaints of the “grandparent scam” with a total loss of over $100,000 to the victims. Not only is the loss of money of great concern, but the fact that the crooks are showing up in person to collect the cash. 

The frauds entail a phone call being placed to the victim claiming their grandchild is in trouble with the courts or law enforcement and payment of cash is needed to help them. The suspects will often pretend to be police or a judge and caution the victims not to tell anyone about the transaction and a courier will be sent to the house to pick up the cash in person or have it sent in the mail. 

RCMP reminds residents to: 

  • Never withdraw or send money to anyone you do not know. 
  • If the person claims to be family, confirm with another family member before taking action.  
  • If the person claims to be a police officer or a judge, call the local police or courthouse to confirm.  
  • Police nor courts will even demand cash to be picked up or mailed. 
  • Never give out personal information over the phone or online to someone you do not know. 

If you are a victim of fraud, report it to your local police detachment.