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RCMP have identified a new wave of phone scams targeting older residents and warn Pincher Creek seniors to stay vigilant. Fraudsters are posing as grandchildren in need of urgent financial help, using technology to mimic voices and create a sense of emergency.
Const. Rachel Welsh of the Pincher Creek detachment explains the alarming nature of the scam.
“The fraudsters have been able to replicate their voices so grandparents truly believe they are speaking with their grandchildren,” she says.
According to Welsh, reports of this type of scam have increased locally over the past two months. Two such cases were reported to Pincher Creek RCMP at the start of 2026, while four were reported in December 2025, she notes.
As a result of these scams, the victims have suffered financial loss as well as emotional and psychological stress.
“The money is not able to be recovered or the suspect information is untraceable,” she says.
Welsh offers several tips for residents to protect themselves from these types of scams.
She urges people to watch out for key phrases such as “Act now,” “This is urgent,” “Your account will be closed,” or “Don’t tell anyone.”
Personal information like social insurance numbers, banking details, passwords and verification codes should never be shared over the phone, she stresses.
“Keep in mind that CRA, Service Canada and police will never ask for this type of information by phone, email or text,” Welsh says.
She advises seniors to have a way to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a family member in distress.
“Establish a ‘safe word’ and ask them what it is to ensure you are actually speaking with the right person,” she says.
Welsh notes that while reports are being made locally, the people behind these scams are not based in the community, adding that recent scammers have claimed to be operating out of Quebec.
RCMP have also highlighted other common scams targeting seniors, including tax-related calls, romance scams, investment and cryptocurrency schemes, and lottery prize frauds.
“Slow down and do not act on urgent or threatening messages,” Welsh emphasizes. “Speak with a trusted person or family members, or contact the RCMP.”
She advises seniors to avoid clicking unknown web links or downloading unknown files, and to never send money, gift cards or cryptocurrency to strangers.
Seniors who suspect they’ve been targeted should contact their bank immediately and report the incident to both the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and the RCMP, Welsh says. She further advises informing a trusted family member or friend about the incident.
RCMP are actively working to raise awareness in the community by sharing information through the local newspaper, social media and visits to retirement homes.
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