'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

Global Affairs reports Canadian killed in Lebanon in connection with Israel-Hamas war
Global Affairs is reporting the death of another Canadian due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. This is the ninth casualty connected to Canada.
This Canadian couple used surrogacy to have a child. Here's what they want you to know
Families that need help conceiving a child are met with financial burdens that should be covered through government health care and insurance, advocates say.
From COVID-19 to alien contact, conspiracy theories are popular in Canada: survey
The Earth is flat. We have been secretly contacted by intelligent beings from other planets. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin did not land on the moon in 1969. They may sound like bizarre statements, but a new poll suggests a sizable number of Canadians believe in these and other conspiracy theories.
Renowned Quebec entrepreneur, partner reported dead in Caribbean
Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his spouse Dominique Marchand have died in their adopted home of Dominica, in the Caribbean, a source has confirmed.
Renowned Canadian musician and former April Wine singer Myles Goodwyn dead at 75
Myles Goodwyn, the award-winning Canadian singer and songwriter who shot to stardom as the former lead singer of April Wine, has died at age 75.
Backlash continues following Moncton’s decision to not display the Menorah this year
Outrage seen from the community and across the country online after the news broke Friday that the City of Moncton would not display the Menorah this year.
Canada issues updated travel advisory for Guyana amid border dispute referendum in Venezuela
Amid a referendum that will see Venezuelans asked about the future of a chunk of neighbouring Guyana that Venezuela currently claims ownership over, Canada has adjusted its travel advisory to warn against travelling in Guyana near the border.
Another inmate dead at notoriously harsh Newfoundland jail, officials confirm
An inmate has died at Her Majesty's Penitentiary in Newfoundland, one of the oldest operating provincial jails in the country, officials with the provincial Justice Department confirmed.
Commercial ships hit by missiles in Houthi attack in Red Sea, U.S. warship downs 3 drones
Ballistics missiles fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels struck three commercial ships Sunday in the Red Sea, while a U.S. warship shot down three drones in self-defence during the hourslong assault, the U.S. military said. The Iranian-backed Houthis claimed two of the attacks.