Okotoks RCMP are reporting a recent increase in scams in which criminals target elderly people online.
Police say criminals will find victims through social media, seek out personal information and then pose as a member of law enforcement, requesting bail money for the release of a family member. These criminals will provide a fake name and badge number to seem legitimate and tell the victim they cannot contact their family member, so funds must be provided through them.
RCMP say criminals may even use artificial intelligence to mimic a family member’s voice, or further try to legitimize themselves by providing a “safe word” to the person retrieving the money.
The topic of the next Town of Okotoks Age Friendly Speaker Series is Scam Awareness, which will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Okotoks Seniors Club. Okotoks RCMP will share practical tips to empower older adults against scams and fraud.
For a listing of upcoming speaker series topics, visit okotoks.ca/age-friendly.
RCMP ask that you follow these tips to protect yourself from these types of scams:
• Do not send or give money to someone claiming they need bail money – it must be paid at an authorized building.
• RCMP and law enforcement will never contact you for bail money.
• If you have a friend or family member seeking bail money, you will be able to speak with them.
• Bail money can only be collected at an RCMP or police detachment, courthouse or remand centre, and never picked up at a house.
• Protect yourself by making your social media accounts private so only people you approve can see your information.
• Report any suspicious interactions of a person impersonating RCMP or law enforcement to the RCMP's official complaint line at 403-938-4202 or call 9-1-1.
