People naturally seek companionship and meaningful relationships. Unfortunately, criminals exploit that desire for connection through relationship-based scams that can cause serious financial loss and emotional harm.

Romance scams

Romance scams target people seeking friendship, companionship, or love. They often begin through social media, dating apps, or online forums with a friendly message, a follow request, or interaction with a public post.

Over time—sometimes spanning months—the scammer builds trust and emotional attachment. Eventually, they request money, often claiming it is needed for bills, an emergency, or travel so they can meet in person.

Promises are rarely kept, and requests often escalate. Scammers may use stolen photos, scripted video calls, or excuses to avoid meeting in person. If you have only met someone online and they ask for money or gift cards, it is a major red flag—pause, verify, and talk to someone you trust.

Grandparent scam

The grandparent scam involves an urgent call or message from someone pretending to be a relative—often a grandchild—in trouble. The scammer may claim they have been arrested, injured, or involved in an incident and need money immediately.

To create urgency, they may pressure you to act quickly and keep it secret. Before sending money, hang up and call your family member back using a number you already know (or contact another relative to confirm). Scammers often request payment by gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money transfers—methods that are difficult to trace or recover.

Extortion scams

Extortion scams involve threats to release private or sensitive information unless money is paid. Scammers may claim to have personal details, private messages, or images and use fear and urgency to pressure victims.

Paying does not guarantee the threats will stop, and it can lead to further demands. If you receive an extortion message, stop communicating, keep copies of the messages, and report it to police.

How to protect yourself

•             Be cautious when someone you have not met in person quickly asks for money, gift cards, or financial help.

•             Verify emergencies independently (call back using a trusted number; contact another family member or friend).

•             Do not share personal or financial information (banking details, ID documents, passwords, one-time codes).

•             Talk to someone you trust before sending money—an outside perspective can help spot red flags.

•             If you feel threatened, stop communicating, save the messages, and report it.

If someone asks you for money—especially a person you met online—take a moment to pause and verify. Talking it through with a trusted friend or family member can prevent a costly mistake.

Remember: what you share online can be saved, copied, and used in ways you did not intend. Be careful about sending personal photos, videos, or details to people you do not know and trust.

During Fraud Prevention Month, everyone is encouraged to stay informed, ask questions, and talk openly about fraud. Awareness, verification, and timely reporting are key tools in protecting our community.

If you believe you have been targeted or have sent money, report it to the MHPS as soon as possible and keep any messages, receipts, usernames, phone numbers, and screenshots you have.

Media Contact:

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