News release

Alberta RCMP warn the public of spring scam season

March 11, 2026 - Edmonton, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

Content

Edmonton, Alta. – The Alberta RCMP is advising that with the change of season comes an increase in certain scams. RCMP are already responding to reports of paving and distraction/gold scams. 

Paving scams are very common. Contractors claim to have leftover materials from previous jobs and offer to pave driveways and parking lots at reduced pricing. Companies may use business names that suggest they are affiliated with a government road maintenance department and typically provide false addresses or contact information. After contractors collect payment and disappear from the area, customers discover the materials used are poor quality and the work is unprofessional. Victims are sometimes left unable to contact the scammers and face expensive asphalt repairs or in other incidents, the contractors attempt to intimidate the customer into paying after the work is completed for poor product and services.  

Keep the following tips in mind to avoid falling victim to a paving scam:

• Ask for names of previous customers and verify that they were satisfied with the work;
• Research the company through the Better Business Bureau in Alberta, the Consumer Investigations Unit, your local Rural Crime Watch, or on social media;
• Obtain a written quote that includes the full business name, address, phone number, GST number, as well as provincial and municipal license numbers, if applicable;
• Quotes should specify the quantity and quality of materials being offered. Be skeptical if contractors decline to provide this information;
• Seek estimates from reputable companies to compare costs;
• Do not agree to a contract if you feel pressured or if the contractor refuses to take “no” for an answer;
• Be leery of unsolicited offers. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is; and 
• Do not pay for services upfront, before the work is done. 

Distraction/Gold scams mostly occur in retail parking lots.  Victim is approached by a seemingly stranded motorist. Scammer claim they need money for food, gas, or airfare to get home, and offer fake gold or jewellery for exchange. The scammer often cites hardship, such as the recent death of a family member, or referencing sad-looking children in their vehicles in order to solicit a sympathetic response from victims. The scammers will sell what turns out to be fake jewelry or use distraction techniques to remove real jewellery from a victim.

Keep the following tips in mind to avoid falling victim to distraction/gold scams:

• Always remain vigilant;
• Secure your valuables;
• Be cautious of strangers in your personal space or attempting to hug or touch you;
• Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to say no or yell for help if you feel uncomfortable; and
• Walk away from any suspicious person or behaviour. 

If you have been the victim of or have information regarding a scam in your area, call your local police or To contact the RCMP non-emergency line while in any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction, call 310-RCMP(7267). If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

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