News release

Airdrie RCMP warning public of phone scam

March 24, 2026 - Airdrie, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

Content

Airdrie, Alta. - Airdrie RCMP Special Investigations Unit, General Investigation Section is alerting the public to a scheme occurring across Canada involving impersonation of Canadian telecommunication companies. Victims are receiving cold calls from fraudsters reporting to be from phone companies, asking them if they would like a deal to upgrade their current phone device. Victims report that the calls seem legitimate. 

The scammers give fake employee names and may even let the victim speak with their supervisors. Once the victim agrees to order a new phone, they do this properly though their actual phone providers online app (in most cases). Occasionally the scammers take-over the customer’s phone app account with personal information they solicit during the calls. The scammers may also send the victim’s emails using stolen logos. 

The victim confirms with the scammers that they have ordered the new device and the scammers call the victims upon receiving their new device and convince them they were sent the incorrect device and must return it to the return facility, which is usually a random Canadian address of a person working for the scheme. 

On Jan. 8, 2026, Airdrie RCMP arrested 19-year-old resident of Airdrie, who was involved with one of the false “return facilities”. They have been charged with the following:

• Trafficking property obtained by crime (over $5000);
• Did make use of the mail for the purpose of transmitting packages containing fraudulently obtained electronic devices. 

The individual will be appearing in Alberta Court of Justice in Airdrie on April 23, 2026. 

To protect yourself from this scam, Airdrie RCMP wants you to remember the following if you receive a call from a phone company:

• Do not make any agreement for a new device when the phone company calls you. 
• Do not call the phone numbers provided. 
• Independently research or confirm your phone company’s customer service number from an official website, a billing document, etc. 
• Call them back with independently confirmed information to make sure it is a legitimate offer. 

If you believe you are a victim of this scam, please contact the Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7267. 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. To contact RCMP non-emergency line within any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction call 310-RCMP(7267).

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