The Medicine Hat Police Service is reminding the public to be alert for mass marketing fraud and phone scams, which remain among the most common frauds reported. Scammers typically try to obtain personal information or pressure victims into sending money by impersonating legitimate businesses, government agencies, or someone the victim trusts.

Common tactics include spoofed phone numbers that make calls appear to come from local numbers or well-known organizations; high-pressure language demanding immediate action; and requests for payment by e-transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or credit card information. Police remind the public that legitimate organizations do not demand payment using gift cards or cryptocurrency. If you are unsure, end the call and contact the organization directly using contact information you locate independently.

Red flags:

• You are told to keep the situation secret or not speak to family/friends.
• You are pressured to act “right now” or threatened with arrest, account closure, or financial penalties.
• You are asked to click links, open attachments, provide one-time passcodes, or confirm personal/banking information.
• Payment is requested by gift cards, cryptocurrency, or e-transfer to an unfamiliar recipient.

Grandparent / Emergency scams: A caller may claim to be a relative in trouble (injured, arrested, or stranded) and urgently needs money. Scammers often avoid giving a name, ask for secrecy, and request quick payment. Slow down and verify the story by contacting the relative or another family member using a number you already have.

Other common frauds include work-from-home schemes, prize or lottery scams, inheritance scams, overpayment scams, and offers that request personal or banking information.

Tips to protect yourself: take your time, ask questions, and independently verify who you are dealing with. Do not send money or share personal information because of pressure, threats, or urgency.

If you have been targeted or victimized: stop communication, do not send additional funds, and keep any records (screenshots, emails, phone numbers, receipts, transaction confirmations). Contact your financial institution immediately if you provided banking information or sent money.

Report fraud: If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, report it to the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481 and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501 or online at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

Media Contact:

Sgt Adam Gregory
Medicine Hat Police Service
Community Support Unit
403-529-8451