Alberta launches Fraud Prevention Month
The Calgary Police Service is joining partners across Alberta in recognizing Fraud Prevention Month to help individuals and businesses protect themselves by learning how to recognize, report and prevent fraudulent activity.
“Fraud is constantly changing, and staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself,” says Sgt. Nick Wilsher of the Calgary Police Service. “We encourage anyone who has been a victim of fraud to report it. Many people suffer losses in silence because they feel embarrassed or believe nothing can be done. Every report helps us identify new trends, warn the community and prevent others from being targeted.”
During Fraud Prevention Month 2026, the following topics will be highlighted:
- Week One: artificial intelligence scams
- Week Two: investment scams
- Week Three: online scams and fraud
- Week Four: mass marketing and phone scams
- Week Five: relationship scams
Across Alberta, organizations will promote fraud-prevention awareness through social media and public events. We urge Calgarians to take part and learn how to recognize, prevent and report fraud.
Comments from our partners
“The Calgary Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Calgary Chapter is proud to be part of the world’s largest anti-fraud organization,” says Kyle Schuh, president of the ACFE Calgary Chapter. “The ACFE is a leader in providing anti-fraud training and education around the globe. ACFE Calgary collaborates with community partners in Calgary and organizations across the country in strengthening fraud awareness and further developing the expertise of local anti-fraud professionals. By promoting public awareness and advancing professional skill development, ACFE Calgary is helping to build a stronger, more resilient defence against those who seek to exploit and harm members of our community through fraudulent activity.”
“Today’s most common investment scams move quickly and leverage technology and social media, making them harder to detect,” says Hilary McMeekin, director of communications and investor education with the Alberta Securities Commission. “Albertans should be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed returns or low‑risk, high‑reward opportunities as these are major red flags. We are proud to partner with organizations across the province during Fraud Prevention Month to raise awareness of investment fraud and to provide trusted resources, such as those available on CheckFirst.ca, that can help Albertans make informed decisions.”
"The Better Business Bureau Serving Alberta and East Kootenay is honoured to once again take part in Fraud Prevention Month,” says Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen, president and chief executive officer. “We know scams and scammers are getting more sophisticated. However, we also know these same scammers can be stopped through scam prevention knowledge and taking action. Together with all of our partners, this month represents a meaningful opportunity to reach consumers and businesses and provide them with invaluable information on how fraud and scams can be prevented this month and every month."
“The City of Calgary helps prevent contractor fraud by licensing businesses, checking qualifications and responding to complaints,” says Michael Briegel, Deputy Chief of Business Safety at The City of Calgary. “Contractor fraud often happens when someone shows up at your door or calls unexpectedly, pressures you to act fast or asks for money upfront. Protect yourself by checking the business licence through 311 or calgary.ca, taking time to compare quotes, getting a comprehensive written contract before work begins and never feeling rushed to sign or pay. Complaints about contractor issues can be made via 311.”
“Fraud prevention starts with awareness and conversation,” says David King, director of Calgary Crime Stoppers.” Calgary Crime Stoppers is helping the public recognize fraud red flags and encouraging people to talk with seniors, friends and family members. The more these scams are discussed, the easier it becomes to pause, verify and prevent fraud before it happens. Calgary Crime Stoppers encourages everyone to visit its website and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to learn about the many types of fraud. Simple steps can help, pause, talk to someone you trust and contact your bank or organization directly using verified information.”
“Reducing the impact of fraud is not something any one organization can shoulder alone. Protecting communities, especially those most vulnerable to scammers, demands real collaboration,” says Inspector John Lamming, an officer in charge of financial integrity and cybercrime with the Edmonton Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). “That means sharing intelligence across partners, encourage people to report every incident and combining our resources to deliver ongoing, accessible education.”
“As fraud becomes more sophisticated, it’s critical consumers ensure they are working with a licensed professional,” said Stacy Paquin, chief executive officer of the Real Estate Council of Alberta. “RECA licenses and regulates real estate, mortgage, property management and condominium management professionals across Alberta to help protect the public. Before you sign anything, verify your professional’s licence using RECA ProCheck, and visit recaprotects.ca for consumer fraud prevention tips.”
Report a scam or fraud
Anyone who has suffered a financial loss or has had their personal information compromised because of fraud can report it to the Calgary Police Service by contacting the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers using any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
If you have received a fraudulent text message, email or phone call without incurring a financial loss, please report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Calgary Fraud Prevention Month event
Visit us and our partners for Fraud Prevention Month at YMCA Shawnessy to speak with representatives and get information on identifying, preventing and reporting fraud.
When: Thursday, March 5, 2026, starting at 11 a.m.
Location: YMCA Shawnessy – #400-333 Shawville Boulevard S.E.
Who: The following Fraud Prevention Month partners will be in attendance:
- Alberta Blue Cross
- Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association
- Alberta Securities Commission
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
- Better Business Bureau Serving Alberta and East Kootenay
- Calgary Crime Stoppers Association
- Calgary Police Service
- Electronic Recycling Association
- Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA)
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
- Unison Alberta