'Emergency' scams on the rise in Airdrie, Alta.
RCMP at one southern Alberta detachment say they have received a larger number of reports of "emergency scams," also known as "grandparent scams," in the past couple of weeks.
Airdrie RCMP say the schemes are often conducted over the telephone, where victims are contacted by individuals who pretend to be police officers, judges or other family members. They're told their relative is in trouble, usually with the courts or law enforcement.
As a result, they're informed that if they want to help their loved one, it's going to cost them.
"Suspects will usually ask for cash; however, they may also ask for payment in gift cards, bitcoin or e-transfers," police said in a release.
"The scammers will then send an associate acting as a courier to pick up the money in person or ask the money be mailed."
RCMP say anyone who receives an unsolicited phone call like this should take precautions and consider the following before sending payment to anyone:
- Bail is always paid in person at a courthouse or correctional centre;
- Never send money to anyone you don't know;
- Police officers and court officials will never demand cash to be picked up in person or mailed;
- If someone calling you is claiming to be a police officer or judge, call the detachment or courthouse to confirm their identity; and
- Never disclose any personal information over the phone or online to someone you don't know.
Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to this or any other scam is encouraged to contact Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7200 or their local detachment as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'The lost season': Winter comes to a close as Canada's warmest on record
The warmest winter on record could have far-reaching effects on everything from wildfire season to erosion, climatologists say, while offering a preview of what the season could resemble in the not-so-distant future unless steps are taken to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
NEW High thoughts: The habits of Canadian cannabis users are revealed in a new StatCan report
Statistics Canada has conducted a series of surveys to measure the impacts of legalized cannabis since the Cannabis Act took effect in 2018. The latest one, the 2023 National Cannabis Survey, sheds light on users' preferences and habits last year.
Freddie Mercury's home is on the market for first time since 1980 minus his 'exquisite clutter'
Freddie Mercury's sanctuary in London, where he lived the last decade of his life, is on sale for the first time in nearly half a century -- minus his "exquisite clutter."
NEW Where to watch the state funeral for former prime minister Brian Mulroney
A state funeral for former prime minister Brian Mulroney will be held in Montreal on March 23. CTV News will have live special coverage of his funeral service.
Trump says Jews who vote for Democrats 'hate Israel' and their religion
Former U.S. president Donald Trump on Monday charged that Jews who vote for Democrats 'hate Israel' and hate 'their religion,' igniting a firestorm of criticism from the White House and Jewish leaders.
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.