Wood Buffalo RCMP investigates ‘spoofing’, shares tips to protect against identity theft

October 22, 2026 - Fort McMurray, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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Fort McMurray, Alta. – On Oct. 22, 2026, Wood Buffalo RCMP received multiple complaints reporting fraudsters are purporting themselves as representatives from the ‘Cyber Crime Unit’ and ‘Gendar merie royale du canada’ or other similar variations. The scammers are using technology to ‘spoof’ telephone numbers, causing calls to appear as though they are originating from the Wood Buffalo RCMP. 

Victims reported being told that Police were investigating a fraud involving them or that their personal information has been compromised. The callers then attempted to obtain personal information. In some cases, victims were provided an email address. Reports indicate that these fraudulent calls have targeted individuals in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Ontario. 

RCMP are advising anyone who receives these calls to not give the caller any personal information. 

“Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into sharing personal information or taking immediate action. The RCMP reminds the public that police officers and government agencies will not demand sensitive personal information over the phone, nor will they threaten arrest or legal action if you do not comply immediately. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the agency directly using a publicly listed phone number to verify the caller’s identity.” says Staff Sergeant Sabrina Clayton, Acting Ops Support Officer at Wood Buffalo. 

Wood Buffalo RCMP offers the following tips on how to protect yourself from fraud and scams:

• Guard your personal information and never share personal details (name, address, birthdate, banking info, etc.) unless you initiated the contact. You never know who’s on the other end of an unsolicited call or message.
• Don’t be afraid to say no. If someone pressures you to send money or provide personal information right away, end the conversation. You’re not being rude — you’re being safe.
• If you’re unsure about a message, email, or phone call, talk to a family member or someone you trust. You can also visit the company’s official website and call their verified contact number to confirm any claims.
• Report suspicious activity, even if you didn’t lose money or provide personal information. Reporting scams helps protect others. Contact your local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
• If you’re unsure about a message, email, or phone call, talk to a family member or someone you trust. You can also visit the company’s official website and call their verified contact number to confirm any claims.

Wood Buffalo RCMP encourage anyone who suspects they have been a victim of fraud to report it to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center. 

The Canadian Anti- Fraud Center offers information on what to do if you’re a victim of fraud. This includes:

• Gather all information about the fraud including documents, receipts, copies of emails and / or text messages
• Report the incident to the financial institution that transferred the money
• Tell family, friends, neighbours and co-workers about your experience. You may prevent someone else from becoming a victim. 

Wood Buffalo RCMP continue to investigate these incidents and are asking anyone with information regarding this or any other crime, to contact the Wood Buffalo RCMP at (780) 788-4040. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

For more fraud prevention tips follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.

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