St. Albert RCMP issue fraud warning after senior loses nearly $100K

An RCMP cruiser is seen in this file photo.

RCMP are warning the public of a scam that saw a St. Albert senior lose nearly $100,000 over the last year.

A statement from St. Albert RCMP said the victim believed they were sending money to an investment platform put on by the Liberal Party.

The senior clicked on a fake AI generated “Liberal Investment Ad” on Facebook and signed up for the investment scheme, police said. After signing up, the scammers would contact the victim through online messaging or by phone, asking for money transfers for the investment.

Months later, family members became aware of the money transfers and realized it was a scam.

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St. Albert RCMP said they want to remind the public that fraud can happen to anyone.

“These fraudulent individuals are professional criminals, their online scams are elaborate, sophisticated and very convincing,” said the statement issued Wednesday, adding that investment fraud cost Canadians $310 million in 2024.

Police encourage victims to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and for the public to report any suspicious or criminal activity to the local police or through Crime Stoppers.