News release

Don’t take the bait: spotting AI scams before they spot you

March 17, 2026 - Edmonton, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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Edmonton – This March, the Alberta RCMP will be sharing a variety of tips and resources in support of the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association’s (ACCPA) Fraud Prevention Month campaign. The campaign seeks to educate Albertans on the many ways that fraudulent activity negatively impacts their communities.

Today’s theme is artificial intelligence (AI) scams, which may include any of the following:

• Voice cloning scams
• AI-generated kidnapping calls
• Deepfake video impersonation
• Romance scams enhanced by AI chatbots
• Fake customer support agents
• AI-generated investment advisors
• Phishing emails and texts written by AI
• AI-assisted job interview scams
• Synthetic identity fraud
• AI-generated rental or marketplace listings

“AI-generated content can look flawless, feel personal, and reach anyone. That is why staying alert is crucial. The more we learn to spot the subtle warning signs, the harder it becomes for scammers to turn powerful tools into targeted traps.”

• Cpl. Sean Milne, Provincial Financial Crime Team, RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region

To better protect yourself, consider the following resources:

• Learn how cyber criminals are using AI in their scams
• Learn how to spot AI-generated content and the risks it poses to online users
• Learn how AI can be used to generate content

If you are unsure of whether or not you are being targeted by a scam, visit the Government of Canada’s website to learn about common scam types. If you have been the victim of fraud, report it to your local law enforcement agency and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre.ca, or by calling 1-888-495-8501. Be sure to contact your bank and credit card company if you believe your personal or financial information has been compromised.

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