Airdrie RCMP is warning the public that there has been an increase in the number of “Emergency Scams” reported to the detachment this month.

These scams are referred to as Emergency Scams, or sometimes “Grandparent” or “Grandchild” scams.

The premise is often a phone call being placed to the victim claiming a loved one is in trouble with the courts or law enforcement and payment is needed to help them.

The suspects will often pretend to be Police officers, judges, or family members. Suspects will usually ask for cash; however, they may also ask for payment in gift cards, bitcoin, or e-transfers.

The scammers will then send an associate acting as a courier to pick up the money in person or ask for the money to be mailed.

Airdrie RCMP wants to remind citizens of the following:

  • Bail is always paid in person at a courthouse or correctional center;
  • Never send money to anyone you don’t know;
  • If a person claims to be a police officer or judge, call that police service or courthouse directly to confirm the situation – police and courts will never demand cash be picked up in person or mailed; and
  • Never give out personal information over the phone or online to someone you don’t know—the police or courts will not ask for personal information over the phone.

Should you have fallen victim to this or any other scam, please call Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7200, or your local RCMP

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