(File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nolan Kowal

Fraud alert

P.A. police warn of frequent frauds, financial losses

Jan 23, 2024 | 12:02 PM

The Prince Albert Police Service issued a warning Tuesday on frauds and a surge of victims who have suffered large financial losses.

In a release, police said the crimes are based on false emergencies.

“The family/grandparent emergency scam involves a potential victim, often an older adult, receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be a family member in an emergency and requiring money for various purposes,” said police in the release.

“The fraudsters may also work in tandem and connect the victim to another person claiming to be a police officer, lawyer, doctor, or representative of another profession. To further the ruse, the fraudster will often have the ‘injured’ person speak on the phone. A common tactic is to say they have broken their nose which is why their voice sounds different. Payment is often requested as cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.”

Police said the entire scenario is a scam and that any legitimate authority would never make such requests.

Made in Saskatchewan

Find My Plus One: The Canadian App for Getting Out and Living Your Best Life

Mar 09, 2026

Riderville

Ask Not for Whom the Ed Hervey Tampering Window Opens!

Feb 02, 2026

Seniors Scene

New Year - New Habits

Feb 02, 2026

If you receive a phone call that seems suspicious, police say to ask important questions to try to verify their identity, but do not give any further details about yourself. They say to contact that family member directly to confirm that they are OK, and to contact police directly if the caller is claiming to be law enforcement.

Police added that fraudsters often use urgency and panic in an effort to get victims to comply.

You are encouraged to contact police if you’ve been the victim of a scam.

—

nolan.kowal@pattisonmedia.com