fraud prevention month poster
fraud prevention month poster
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Calgary, AB,
28
February
2025
|
13:05
America/Denver

Collaborating for safety: Alberta’s Fraud Prevention Month

March is Fraud Prevention Month in Alberta, and we are excited to partner with various organizations across the province to increase awareness and educate the public on recognizing, reporting and protecting themselves against fraud.

In 2024, the Calgary Police Service received 9,815 fraud-related calls for service. Among these, 6,787 incidents identified fraud as the primary crime. Fraud often occurs alongside other offences, including theft, vehicle theft and break-ins.

“We urge Calgarians to be cautious of calls, emails, or any messages that pressure anyone to act immediately,” says Sgt. Nick Wilsher of the Calgary Police Service Crime Prevention Team. “We often hear scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency to trick victims. When it comes to your finances, rely on trusted websites of financial institutions, and remember that no government agency will ever ask for payments in gift cards or cryptocurrency, nor will Calgary Police Service officers come to your home to collect cash.”

During Fraud Prevention Month 2025, the following topics will be highlighted:

  • Week One: relationship scams
  • Week Two: investment scams
  • Week Three: online scams and fraud
  • Week Four: mass marketing and phone scams

Throughout March, organizations across Alberta will disseminate fraud prevention information online through social media and public events. We urge Calgarians to participate and learn how to recognize, prevent and report fraud.

Comments from our partners

“The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Calgary Chapter belongs to the world’s largest anti-fraud organization and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education,” says Kyle Schuh, president of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Calgary Chapter. “ACFE Calgary seeks to partner with agencies and organizations to enhance fraud awareness in our community and develop the skills of local anti-fraud professionals in combatting all forms of fraud. Public awareness and professional skill building are critical in creating a defence against those that seek to deceive and deprive members of our community through fraudulent actions.”

“As Alberta’s largest benefit provider, Alberta Blue Cross processes more than 77.2 million claim lines each year with a value exceeding $3.8 billion, and we have stringent measures in place to detect and prevent fraud and plan abuse,” says Brian Geislinger, senior vice-president of corporate relations and community engagement with Alberta Blue Cross. “Recognizing our responsibility to protect the viability of the plans we provide to our customers, we have zero tolerance to fraud—and we applaud efforts to bring more awareness to fraud deterrence through Fraud Prevention Month.”

"The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Alberta and East Kootenay is honoured to be participating in Fraud Prevention Month,” says Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen, president & CEO. “Together with our partners, this month of activity represents a meaningful opportunity to reach millions of consumers and businesses and provide them with valuable information on how fraud and scams can be prevented now and in the future. Today also marks the launch of the most recent BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, which provides a detailed snapshot of scam trends in Canada and how to mitigate the risk of scams."

“Crime Stoppers is a community, media and police cooperative program designed to involve the general public in the fight against crime,” says David King, director of Calgary Crime Stoppers. “We provide Albertans with a safe and anonymous means to report criminal activity, supporting law enforcement in reducing crime, enhancing public safety, and fostering community involvement across the province.”

“Exposing and addressing the fraudulent activities of “bad actors” in our capital market continues to be a key focus area for the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) – particularly when it comes to online investment scams,” says Hilary McMeekin, director of communications & investor education with the ASC. “We are proud to partner with the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association during Fraud Prevention Month to raise awareness and educate Albertans on recognizing, avoiding and reporting investment fraud. We encourage Albertans to visit CheckFirst.ca for free and unbiased resources and programming that can be used to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

“Fraud Prevention Month is a crucial time to remind everyone that awareness and vigilance are the best defences against scammers,” says Inspector John Lamming, an officer in charge of financial integrity and cybercrime with the Edmonton Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). “By staying informed, recognizing public warning signs, and reporting suspicious activity to police, the public can play a vital role in helping law enforcement prevent and disrupt these crimes.”

“Fraud Prevention Month serves as a crucial reminder that data security is everyone's responsibility,” says the founder & president of the Electronic Recycling Association. “We prioritize secure data destruction to ensure that sensitive information never falls into the wrong hands. Whether you’re a business or an individual, properly disposing of your electronic devices is essential in preventing identity theft and cybercrime. We can protect our data, communities, and environment by choosing ethical recycling solutions. Fraud Prevention Month is a vital reminder that data security is everyone’s responsibility. At the Electronic Recycling Association (ERA), we ensure secure data destruction to prevent identity theft and cybercrime. Proper electronic disposal protects your information, community, and environment."

“Fraud in real estate is on the rise, with cyber scams, fake licensees, and cash transfer schemes leading the way,” says Janice Harrington, chief operating officer with the Real Estate Council of Alberta. “Protecting yourself starts with verifying credentials. A legitimate licensee will never ask for cash or an e-transfer - licensed transactions only happen through brokerages, offering essential consumer protection.”

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 Chinook Mall to speak with representatives and get information on identifying, preventing and reporting fraud.

When: Friday, March 7, 2025, starting at 10 a.m.

Location: Chinook Mall – 6455 Macleod Trail S.W.

Who: The following Fraud Prevention Month partners will be in attendance:

  • Alberta Blue Cross
  • Alberta Securities Commission
  • 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)