Strathcona County, Alta. – The Strathcona County RCMP wishes to warn the public of what is known as the grandparent’s scam. In 2022, the detachment has received 13 reports of the scam where suspects called the victim and indicated that their grandson or granddaughter was in jail and needed $6,000 or more in bail money. The suspects would then send a “courier” to pick up the cash or ask the victim to send money to an account.
The Strathcona RCMP would like to remind the public that bail money can only be paid at a police station in person with an officer or submitted directly to the courthouse. If you receive a fraud phone call requesting bail money, do not pay it; contact your local police department immediately.
If you have any information regarding these crimes or any other crimes, please contact the Strathcona County RCMP at 780-467-7741 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.