Edmonton, as one of Alberta's largest cities and an important center for attracting new immigrants to Canada, has become an attractive target for various financial fraudsters who systematically exploit the vulnerability of newcomers, language barriers, and lack of knowledge about the Canadian financial system to obtain illegal profits. In recent years, the scale of this problem has reached staggering proportions: since the beginning of this decade alone, Albertans have reported losing more than $156 million through various fraud schemes, with the actual figures likely to be much higher, as many victims never report to law enforcement agencies due to fear, shame, or ignorance of procedures. For Ukrainian families in Edmonton who may be encountering Canadian reality for the first time after obtaining permanent resident status, understanding how these scams work and what specific steps can protect their finances is not just useful information, but a vital set of knowledge for surviving in a new economic ecosystem.
The current situation in Edmonton shows a worrying trend: scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, technologically advanced, and difficult to spot, even for experienced residents, let alone new immigrants. The Edmonton Police Service receives hundreds of reports each year from victims of various demographic groups, as fraudsters constantly adapt their methods, using strong emotions—fear, panic, love, greed for quick riches—to make people act impulsively without checking the information. Detective Linda Herceg of the Edmonton Police Service's Financial Crime Unit emphasizes that the key to avoiding fraud is simply to take the time to critically think about and research what is being offered or threatened before making any financial decisions.
The most common types of fraud in Edmonton and their characteristics
Understanding the specific types of fraud most commonly encountered in Edmonton is the first step to protection. Each scheme has its own characteristics, and knowing these characteristics allows you to recognize the danger before financial loss occurs.
Investment fraud has become the absolute leader in terms of the amount of money lost in Alberta, especially due to the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies. In 2023, nearly 60 percent of all money Albertans reported losing to fraud—approximately $35.9 million—was the result of investment schemes, representing a sharp increase from $2.4 million in losses in 2020. About 400 Albertans fell victim to investment fraud last year alone. University of Calgary finance professor Alfred Lehar explains that people are looking for high returns on their investments, but often fall prey to scammers.
In 2025, the Edmonton Police Service investigated a particularly complex case that clearly demonstrates the scale of investment fraud: 30 victims from Edmonton, including several newcomers, confirmed losses of over $84,000 between August 2021 and May 2022 as a result of an international fake job investment scheme organized by a group from China. Police believe the scheme affected more than 600 people across Canada, resulting in losses of over $1.2 million. The fraudsters contacted victims through social media with offers of remote work and investment opportunities, which were positioned as “fulfilling Amazon orders.” The fake role required victims to log into an online platform called Sharegain, invest funds, and then process dozens of tasks per day, receiving a commission for each one. The scheme encouraged victims to recruit others to Sharegain to get higher investment returns — a classic sign of a pyramid scheme.
It is important to understand how these investment scams work psychologically: victims initially invested, received an initial withdrawal to confirm the legitimacy of the platform, and then made larger investments. What the victims did not understand was that the funds received in the first withdrawal actually came from another victim who thought they were investing in the platform. Constable Brian Mason of the Edmonton Police Service's Cyber Response Unit explained, “The scheme is complex because it uses the recognition of the Amazon name to manipulate victims into a complex pyramid scheme that initially yields returns, building trust and credibility, but ultimately leads to greater losses.”
Of particular concern to Ukrainian newcomers is that fraudsters have sometimes posed as law enforcement officers and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to instill fear in newcomers, with many complainants choosing to remain silent “due to threats of deportation or prosecution.” This underscores how important it is for new immigrants to understand that legitimate Canadian government agencies never use such intimidation tactics.
Romance scams are the second largest category of financial losses in Canada after investment schemes. In 2023, Canadians lost more than $50.3 million to romance scams. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received 1,249 complaints of romance scams from 925 Canadian victims with losses of more than $50 million in 2021. It is important to note that reported cases of romance fraud are likely much lower than the actual numbers, as many victims never report the crime or tell their loved ones due to shame, fear of ridicule, and denial.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports an increase in combined romance and investment frauds. One version of this scheme is known as “romance baiting” or “pig butchering.” In these schemes, scammers first establish a romantic relationship with the victim through dating sites or social networks, sometimes spending several months building trust and emotional connection. Once trust has been established, the scammer begins to introduce the topic of investments — usually cryptocurrency platforms or other “guaranteed” investment opportunities — and convinces the victim to invest money. Victims often start with small amounts, see “profits” in their account (which are actually fake), and then invest much larger amounts before the scammer disappears with all the money.
For Edmonton residents, especially those who may feel lonely or isolated after moving to a new country, these scams can be particularly devastating, not only financially but also emotionally. The Canadian government notes that older adults are often the target of sophisticated online scammers, but in reality, anyone can be a target of romance fraud, especially those who may feel lonely or vulnerable, which is exactly what scammers are trained to look for. A report by the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) found that 50% of Canadians spend five or more hours online every day, with social media use ranking third among the most popular online activities. Increased time online correlates with increased feelings of isolation, making many Canadians easy targets for scammers.
CRA scams remain one of the most common forms of fraud in Edmonton, especially during tax season. Fraudsters pose as Canadian Revenue Agency employees and use a variety of tactics—phone calls, emails, text messages—to trick people into revealing personal information or sending money for fictitious tax debts.
The Edmonton Police Service is warning the public that fraudulent calls are coming from fake EPS office desk phone numbers. The scammer pretends to be a police officer, tells victims they are involved in a fraud investigation, and asks for personal information. Police officers will never call you from a public phone line to request such information.
Common tactics used by fraudsters posing as the CRA include threats and intimidation (claiming you owe taxes and threatening legal action, arrest, or even deportation if you don't pay immediately); unusual payment methods (demanding payment through non-traditional means, such as cryptocurrency, gift cards, prepaid credit cards); and urgent requests for personal information (sending emails or text messages urging you to click on a link and provide your social insurance number (SIN), banking information, or credit card details).
It is critical to understand that the CRA will never demand immediate payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, prepaid credit cards, or gift cards from any retailer. The CRA will not threaten you with deportation, arrest, or imprisonment. The CRA will not use aggressive or threatening language. The CRA will not arrange a face-to-face meeting in a public place to collect payment.
Rental scams are particularly relevant to new immigrants in Edmonton who are looking for housing immediately upon arrival. According to the 2024 report by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Edmonton's rental market has a low supply of affordable housing, and high demand is putting pressure on prices. It is this tense environment that creates ideal conditions for scammers.In 2024, the Edmonton Police Service received about 90 reports of rental fraud with total losses of about $100,000, although Constable Amanda Trenchard notes that this is not the full picture, as not everyone comes forward to report it. In January 2025, police warned of a specific scam involving a house at 7516 147 Ave in the Kilkenny area, which defrauded several potential tenants of nearly $11,000. The address was fraudulently advertised as a rental property on Facebook Marketplace and possibly other online platforms. Many complainants who were looking to rent the property reported speaking with a person they believed to be the owner of the property and, in some cases, meeting in person and viewing the property.What makes this scheme particularly insidious is that after potential tenants signed a lease and paid a deposit, the suspect disappeared with their money — not answering calls or showing up on the agreed-upon date to hand over the property. Matthew Richardson, one of the victims, described his experience: he met with the alleged landlord, inspected the property, signed a lease agreement, and sent $1,600 as a security deposit. When he arrived on December 27 for the final meeting, the landlord never showed up, and he discovered that 18 other people had also come with signed leases—all victims of the same scam.Constable Trenchard noted that this scam was unique because most of the victims “took the right steps” — they visited the property, saw the inside, and met with the person before making the deposit, but were still deceived. Lisa Rufiang, moderator of the Facebook page Edmonton Apartments, Houses, Rooms For Rent, notes that scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to spot. She has seen scammers respond to their own ads from another profile to give the ad credibility.
Employment scams pose a serious threat to temporary foreign workers and new immigrants in Alberta. Immigration experts are increasingly concerned about the prevalence of employment scams targeting temporary foreign workers. These scams typically involve fraudsters promising employment in Canada in exchange for large sums of money. One of the most common schemes involves charging unauthorized fees for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), which are required for employers who hire foreign workers. Although LMIA fees are the responsibility of the employer and are capped at $1,000, scammers often demand between $2,000 and $200,000 from desperate job seekers.
Between July and September 2024, a CBC investigative team documented more than 125 online ads advertising LMIA work permits or LMIA-approved jobs in 17 Canadian cities from individuals posing as vendors, recruitment agencies, or registered immigration consultants. The investigation found that the volume of online ads offering LMIA positions for money skyrocketed in the weeks following several government changes to restrict access to the valuable permits: in July, CBC documented 29 ads circulating online; by September, that number had more than tripled to 97.
Ravi Jain, chief lawyer at Jain Immigration Law in Toronto, said after listening to recorded calls with potential sellers: “This is outright fraud. This person is doing something very illegal, and they are doing it quite openly. It's sad that there are people who know enough about the system to be willing to exploit it.” Many immigration lawyers consulted by CBC say that both the temporary foreign workers who pay for these deals and the individuals who sell them could be charged with misrepresentation or advising misrepresentation, violating Canadian immigration law. If found guilty, offenders could face fines of up to $100,000 and up to five years in prison.
Emergency assistance scams, including “grandparent scams,” are particularly cruel because they target older people and use their love for their families against them. Nearly 180 Albertans lost a total of about $4 million to emergency scams last year, with about four out of five victims aged 60 or older, and together they lost more than $3.7 million of the total amount.
Typically, the scam works like this: the victim receives a phone call or email from someone posing as a grandchild or other family member. The scammer claims to be in trouble—they've been in a car accident, arrested, are abroad and can't return home—and needs money urgently for bail, medical bills, fines, or other expenses. The “grandchild” begs you not to tell other relatives because they are embarrassed or afraid. Scammers rely on you wanting to help your “grandchild” by sending money via wire transfer or other means directly to the scammer.
These scammers are very good at convincing you that they are really your grandchild by providing convincing details such as family members' names and school details (which they may have found on social media). Sometimes they trick you into sharing this sensitive information. Example conversation: “Grandpa? Do you know who this is?” “John, is that you?” “Yes!” They may even use artificial intelligence technology to disguise their voice to sound like the person they are pretending to be, and often come up with excuses for why they don't sound like the family member they claim to represent.
In January 2026, police on Vancouver Island investigated a series of scams targeting grandparents that defrauded seniors of approximately $30,000 and discovered that the young man who collected the money may have been the victim of a fake job offer scam himself. This demonstrates how different types of scams can be intertwined and how scammers use unsuspecting people as intermediaries to collect money from victims.
Psychological tactics used by scammers
Understanding the psychological tactics used by scammers is just as important as recognizing specific types of scams. Scammers are experts at manipulating people's emotions and behavior.
Detective Linda Herceg of the Edmonton Police Service explains: "Fraud affects everyone. The Edmonton Police Service receives reports from victims of all demographics every year because fraudsters can be quite clever. It's their full-time job to deceive citizens for their own financial gain, so they develop elaborate stories and scenarios and use strong emotions such as fear, panic, and love to try to make you believe they are legitimate."
Creating a false sense of urgency is one of the most common tactics. Scammers want you to act quickly before you have time to think rationally or consult with others. They may claim that the offer is only valid for the next hour, that your account will be closed if you don't act immediately, or that a relative is in immediate danger.
Using fear and threats is also a key tactic, especially in CRA and immigration scams. Scammers may threaten arrest, deportation, loss of immigration status, or legal action if you do not pay immediately or provide personal information. For new immigrants who may not fully understand their rights in Canada or have had previous negative experiences with authorities in their countries of origin, these threats can be particularly effective.
Building trust and emotional connections characterizes romance scams and long-term investment schemes. Scammers may spend weeks or even months developing a relationship with the victim, sharing personal stories, expressing emotional support, and creating the appearance of a genuine connection. By the time they ask for money, the victim is already emotionally invested and more likely to comply with the request.
The use of authority and impersonation of trusted individuals is also common. Scammers may impersonate government officials, police officers, bank employees, lawyers, or immigration consultants. They may use spoofed phone numbers to make the number displayed on your caller ID appear legitimate. They may create professional-looking websites, emails, and documents that are difficult to distinguish from the real thing.
Social engineering involves gathering information about you from social media and other public sources, then using that information to appear more credible. For example, a romance scammer might pose as someone from your hometown or a graduate of your school using information from your Facebook profile. A scammer posing as your grandchild may know the names of real family members from your social media posts.
How to spot red flags of fraud
The Edmonton Police Service has compiled a list of common red flags and signs that you may be talking to a scammer.
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. This applies to investment opportunities that promise guaranteed high returns with no risk, jobs that don't require interviews or qualifications, real estate for rent at significantly below market rates, or any offer that seems unrealistically advantageous.
Requests for unusual payment methods are a serious warning sign. Legitimate organizations will not require payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, Western Union or MoneyGram money transfers, prepaid credit cards, or e-transfers to unknown parties.
Pressure to act immediately is always suspicious. Legitimate businesses and government organizations will give you time to think, consult with others, and make an informed decision.
Requests for personal or financial information from unconfirmed sources should raise alarm bells. Never provide your social insurance number (SIN), credit card numbers, banking information, passwords, or other sensitive information in response to unexpected emails, text messages, or phone calls.
Spelling and grammar errors, especially in emails or text messages purporting to be from large organizations, are often a sign of fraud. While some scammers are becoming more sophisticated, many still make obvious mistakes.
Suspicious email addresses or website URLs can reveal a scam. Always check the actual email address, not just the display name. Look for minor spelling errors in domain names or unusual characters that may indicate spoofing. Hover over links without clicking to see the actual destination.
Refusal to meet in person or appear on a video call is a red flag in romantic scams and some business scenarios. While it may be normal for new online relationships not to meet immediately, consistent refusals or excuses over a long period of time are suspicious.
Unauthorized or unexpected contact from individuals or organizations with whom you have no established relationship should always be treated with caution. Legitimate organizations will not typically contact you with unexpected offers or requests.
Specific steps to protect yourself and your family
Protecting yourself from financial fraud requires both preventive measures and immediate action when a potential threat is identified.
Education and awareness are your first line of defense. Detective Herceg emphasizes, "We cannot stress this enough... talk about it. Talk about fraud with your loved ones. Your teenagers, siblings, parents, grandparents, friends, colleagues... have open conversations about common scams that target us all and general red flags for fraud." For Ukrainian families in Edmonton, this may include discussing these topics in Ukrainian with older family members who may not be fluent enough in English to recognize the nuances of fraudulent communications.
Verification and independent confirmation are critical before making any financial decisions. If someone calls you claiming to represent a certain organization, hang up, find the phone number yourself, and call the organization directly. You can then verify whether the phone call you just received was legitimate or if it was a scammer. If someone claims to be your grandchild or other family member with claims that they are in trouble and need money, ask them questions that only they would know, hang up, and call them back if you can, or call another family member to verify the claim.
For investment opportunities, always check the registration of the person or firm with the Alberta Securities Commission. Never invest in something you don't understand. If someone offers you a job, especially one that requires an LMIA or involves an investment, check the legitimacy of the employer through official channels.
For real estate rentals, do a Google image search (reverse image search) of the photos in the ad to see if they are used elsewhere. Do an online search of the property to see who might live there and determine if there are additional rental ads for the same property. Check other listings in the general area and see what the current rental rates are. Visit the property in person and, if possible, talk to someone who has rented from the same person or company before.
Protecting your personal information should be an ongoing priority. Never provide personal or financial information over the phone or online unless you initiated the contact. Be especially careful about disclosing your social insurance number (SIN). Never give out these two pieces of information together: your date of birth and city of birth. Use strong passwords for your credit cards, financial accounts, and other accounts. Mix letters, numbers, and special characters, and change them regularly.
Protecting your mail and documents prevents identity theft. Lock your mailbox if possible. If you are going to be away, arrange for a trusted neighbor to collect your mail or use Canada Post's mail hold service. Shred or shred receipts and copies of papers you no longer need, such as old tax returns, insurance forms, and credit offers.
Online and email security requires constant vigilance. Do not click on links in unsolicited messages. Do not download attachments from unsolicited messages. Delete all messages from senders you do not know. Use a firewall, especially if you have a high-speed Internet connection. Add virus protection software and update it regularly. Be careful with public Wi-Fi and only download apps from trusted sources at home on a secure network.
Regularly monitoring your financial accounts and credit reports helps detect fraud early on. Carefully check your credit card statements for any unauthorized payments or withdrawals and report them immediately. Call if bills don't arrive on time, as this could mean someone has changed your contact information to hide fraudulent payments. Review your credit report at least once a year and consider subscribing to ongoing monitoring of your credit file for potentially fraudulent activity.
Verifying businesses and professionals before interacting with them is critical. Service Alberta provides a business license search tool where you can check whether a business is currently licensed or a charity is registered. The tool provides information on whether the business is licensed with Service Alberta, the legal name of the business and company, the business address, the type of provincial license, and whether the business has posted a bond or is required to do so. For immigration consultants, check their registration with the official authorities.
What to do if you are a victim of fraud
If you suspect that you are a victim of fraud, quick action is critical to minimize damage and increase your chances of recovery.
Immediately cease all communication with the suspected fraudster. Do not send any more money, provide any additional information, or respond to their messages.
Contact your financial institution immediately. If you have sent money or shared financial information, report this to the financial institution that was used, such as your bank, Western Union, or MoneyGram. Contact your bank and place a stop payment on any checks or cancel any electronic money transfers if they have not yet been deposited.
Notify the police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Call the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from your cell phone if you have been a victim of fraud. To report fraud to the police when you are a victim, the police need evidence to support that your complaint has elements of criminal fraud. You must provide supporting documentation, including all emails, text messages, call records, bank statements, receipts, and any other evidence of transactions.
Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre toll-free at 1-888-495-8501 or through the online fraud reporting system on the Government of Canada website. Hours of operation: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (Eastern Time). Even if you have not been a victim, but have received a fraudulent phone call, email, or text message, you can report it to help warn others.
If your credentials have been compromised, immediately change the passwords for your online accounts that have been affected by the breach. If you accidentally provided your credentials to a phishing site, immediately change those passwords, as well as the passwords for any accounts that use the same credentials.
Contact credit bureaus to monitor and protect your credit. Contact Canadian credit bureaus, including Equifax and TransUnion, to place a fraud alert on your file. This signals to lenders that they should take extra steps to verify your identity if they receive an application in your name.
Report the platform or website where you encountered the scammer. Report the profile on the online dating site, social media, or buying and selling platform where you first contacted the scammer so that their account can be deactivated. Scammers usually have more than one account.
Warn others about your experience. Be proactive; tell your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors about your experience to warn them about online scams. Even though sharing your story may be uncomfortable, it could prevent the same thing from happening to your family or friends.
Resources and Support in Edmonton
Edmonton residents have access to several resources to protect themselves from fraud and get help.
The Edmonton Police Service provides information on fraud prevention, resources, and reporting instructions on its website, edmontonpolice.ca, under Crime Prevention > Personal & Family Safety > Frauds. The Financial Crime Unit reviews and assesses all complaints of fraud, false claims, credit card crimes, forgery crimes, identity theft, and perjury, and assigns them for further investigation as necessary.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is the national authority for gathering information about fraud and crimes related to personal information. They provide a booklet that includes the 12 most common scams in Canada, how to protect yourself from scammers, and what to do if you are a victim.
Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction publishes active warnings to consumers about individuals and businesses that pose a threat to the marketplace. These warnings include information about unlicensed contractors, fraudulent schemes, and other threats to consumers in Edmonton and across Alberta. The Consumer Investigations Unit can be reached at 1-877-427-4088 (toll-free in Alberta).
The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) protects investors from improper, misleading, or fraudulent practices and ensures that those who sell securities in Alberta are registered and behave in accordance with applicable laws. The ASC participates in joint operations with other regulators and law enforcement agencies to combat cryptocurrency fraud and other investment crimes.
The Government of Canada provides comprehensive information about scams and how to protect yourself at canada.ca, including specific information about CRA scams, immigration scams, and other common schemes. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has a dedicated page for recognizing and reporting scams at canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/scams-fraud.
Conclusion: Building a culture of awareness and mutual support
Financial fraud in Edmonton is a serious and growing threat, especially for new immigrants and vulnerable populations. Albertans have lost tens of millions of dollars to various fraud schemes in recent years, and fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics, using new technologies and psychological manipulation to exploit their victims. However, understanding how these scams work, recognizing red flags, and knowing specific steps to protect yourself and your family can greatly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
For Ukrainian families in Edmonton, protecting against financial fraud requires not only individual vigilance, but also the creation of a culture of awareness and mutual support within the community. Openly discussing scams in Ukrainian, especially with older family members who may have limited English proficiency, can prevent catastrophic financial losses. Sharing personal experiences, even if it feels uncomfortable, can save others from the same fate.
The key message from the Edmonton Police Service is simple but powerful: when something seems off, take the time to research and verify before making any financial decisions. In our increasingly isolated online world, it's important to pick up the phone and have a legitimate conversation that could ultimately save your money, personal information, and much more. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is.
The Canadian system provides numerous resources and support mechanisms to protect against fraud and assist victims, from the Edmonton Police Service to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, from the Alberta Securities Commission to Service Alberta. However, the most effective protection remains an educated, vigilant community whose members care for one another and are willing to share information about threats. As fraudsters adapt and develop new tactics, our collective awareness and willingness to protect one another must adapt just as quickly.