Edson RCMP say a scam is being executed involving a group of people physically impersonating police officers. In the most recent case, an Edson victim was called by a number listed as RCMP. When they answered the phone, the person on the other end of the line stated they were calling from the RCMP and that the victim was going to be arrested due to some outstanding “money laundering” scheme.

At the same time, two people, dressed as police officers, knocked on the door asking if the victim had gotten a call. The two suspects confirmed that the victim would be arrested unless they pay a fee. The victim was instructed to empty their account and purchase gift cards and give the information to the person on the phone. The suspect on the phone said that the money would be given back if it was proven that they were not part of an ongoing investigation.

Alberta RCMP say at no time will an RCMP officer request a fee, gift cards, or otherwise money in exchange of forgoing an arrest. If an arrest warrant is issued, it is executed as specified and you are entitled to read the warrant. If ever you are in the presence of someone stating they are a police officer and you have doubts, you are allowed to ask for identification. And you can call 911 or your local detachment or police service to confirm that the officers are who they say they are.