Fraud Prevention Month sees police, partners aim to raise awareness, educate

It was hardly long ago scammers had far fewer methods of slipping their ploys in front of you. But in March 2026... (FILE)

It was hardly long ago scammers had far fewer methods of slipping their ploys in front of you.

But in March 2026, said Calgary Police Sgt. Nick Wilsher, they have so many more means of getting in your head and wallet.

It’s no longer a fax or email from the Nigerian prince in a bind only you could possibly ever sort out.

Now, it’s a call from someone allegedly of authority about your kid, grandkid, partner or best pal, saying they’re in trouble—right now.

“We’re seeing fraud offences evolve and grow in both scale and sophistication,” Wilsher said.

Scammers’ gimmicks, he said, “are becoming more convincing, more personal and more difficult for the public to detect.”

It’s Fraud Prevention Month, and the agencies partnered up to protect you are focusing on uptick areas.

Wilsher said that includes:

• AI-driven scams;
• Investment scams;
• Online scams;
• Mass-marketing and phone scams; and
• Relationship scams.

It all adds up to big business for bad guys—Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen, president and CEO for the Better Business Bureau in Alberta and East Kootenay, said scams “cost consumers and businesses more than $600 million each year.”

A lot more, actually.

“They feel ashamed, they feel embarrassed and it keeps them from reporting it,” she said.

“In fact, BBB research shows the number of people that report is as low as five per cent. So, we know that $600 million is much, much more.”

Wilsher said feeling ashamed or embarrassed is the wrong way to look at it—telling others about it is key to combating scammers.

“Your report can help others,” he said.

Falling victim to fraud can be devastating, said Alberta RCMP Insp. John Lamming, regardless of scale.

David King, Calgary Crime Stoppers director, said, “Fraud impacts seniors, newcomers, small businesses, families and young people, often leaving lasting financial and emotional damage.”

Kyle Schuh, local chapter president of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, said fraud “remains on the rise.”

“New and emerging technologies have lowered the bar for entry and have removed obstacles,” he said.

Raising awareness and education are also key to combating scammers.

Janice Harrington, Real Estate Council of Alberta chief strategic officer, said, “Informed consumers are far less likely to fall victim.”

For real estate transactions in particular, Harrington suggested:

• If you’re asked to provide false or misleading information on mortgage applications, that’s not just a red flag—it’s a serious risk;
• Be wary of rental deals that seem too good to be true. Always visit the property in person before making payments or sharing personal information;
• Take time to read contracts carefully. If something is unclear, incomplete or rushed, pause and ask questions; and
• Most importantly, if something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut, investigate further and reach out for help.

Harrington’s general message of exercising caution applies elsewhere.

Lamming offered some basics:

• Stay informed;
• Question suspicious requests;
• Educate each other; and
• Report it.

O’Sullivan-Andersen said, “When people learn how to stop being scammed, it works.”

“When we learn different, we do different,” she said.

“The variations of scams are endless (and) the scammers are persistent, but learning how to protect yourself and your loved ones is the best way to combat this.”