Alberta RCMP are warning the public about a scam where victims in that province have collectively lost more than $3.5-million in the past year.  These types of scams are also circulating in Saskatchewan.

Someone calls claiming to be a loved one who is in trouble with the courts or with police and they need a payment to help them, or the fraudster will pretend to be a police officer, a judge or family member.  They will ask for payment in cash, gift cards, bitcoin, or e-transfers.  The scammers then send someone acting as a courier to pick up the money or they ask for the funds to be mailed.

There is usually a sense of urgency where the payment needs to be made immediately.  The scammer oftens requests secrecy, saying no one is to know because it’s embarassing or the judge has place a supposed publication ban or “gag order” on the case.

Police advise that bail is always paid at a courthouse or correctional centre. Never send money to anyone you don’t know, and if someone claims to be a police officer or judge, call that police service or court house directly to confirm, but police and courts will never demand cash be picked up in person or mailed.

Also, never give out personal information over the phone or online to someone you don’t know.