Parkland RCMP warn public of bail scam

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

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Edmonton, Alta. – Parkland RCMP are investigating a fraud in which an individual was deceived into depositing $3,000 into a cryptocurrency machine. On Sept. 10, 2026, the victim received a phone call from a male claiming to be police, stating that their sister was being charged and required bail money. The suspect gave the victim the location of the machine in Edmonton and instructed her to make the deposit. 

It is important for the public to recognize the red flags in these phone calls: 

• The caller asks you to pay some kind of bail, fine, or fee through a gift card, money transfer, cryptocurrency, or offers to send someone to pick it up from you in person. 
• The RCMP will not deny anyone medical care while waiting for bail.
• The RCMP will not offer to drop charges in exchange for bail or fines being paid.
• The bail system never solicits money from people, nor do they use couriers to help in any such process.

Fraudsters can make a call appear as though it is coming from a legitimate source, including police, and advances in technology can even allow them to mimic a person’s voice. If you receive a call claiming a loved one has been arrested or requires emergency funds, do not send money. End the call and independently verify the information by contacting the family member or another trusted contact. 

If you have information about a crime, contact the Parkland RCMP non-emergency line at 825-220-7267. To contact RCMP non-emergency line within any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction call 310-RCMP(7267).

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