News release

Don’t let AI fraud be the Grinch in your Christmas shopping!

November 19, 2025 - City of Prince George, British Columbia
From: Prince George RCMP

Content

With the Christmas and Holiday season rapidly approaching (never mind the Black Friday sales we’re looking forward to!) Prince George RCMP wants to help consumers to keep themselves safe from fraud.

“Fraud never goes away, and with the advances in Artificial Intelligence technology, the schemes and scams are only getting more convincing, so we need to be more on our guard against it than ever,” states Corporal Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.

Some examples of how AI (Artificial Intelligence) can be used to assist in a fraud attempt are:

• Making incoming calls look like they are coming directly from your bank or another trusted number
• Making incoming text messages look like they are coming directly from a trusted number
• Creating fake accounts
• Using voice-duplicators to make calls sound like they are coming from a family member
• Using DeepFake technology to create realistic looking videos or audio recordings

Some of the techniques RCMP and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre recommend to help keep yourself safe from fraud include setting up family passwords; calling a parent company directly instead of continuing the incoming call; and checking with a family member before sending any money, especially if the caller is demanding gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or the RCMP Safety Page for more helpful tips to keep yourself from being Grinched this Holiday Season!

Related products

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Associated links

• Frauds and scams | Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Contacts