Over the course of the month, partners will bring attention to the most common crimes such as relationship scams, investment fraud, online scams, and phone/mass marketing scams.
In 2024, Edmontonians lost more than $48 million in more than 5,000 reported fraud crimes. Overall, EPS saw the biggest losses in investment scams with over $14 million lost, followed by compromised credit or debit accounts, identity theft and phone scams. Even with instances of fraud increasing, investigators believe that these statistics do not show the full picture, as many frauds go unreported.
“Fraud often works by using high-pressure tactics or offers that are too good to be true” says Acting Staff Sergeant Trevor Semotiuk with the EPS Financial Crimes Section. “Taking the time to research what is being offered or threatened, asking questions, and talking to family or friends can often help recognize a scam before it’s too late. No legitimate financial interaction should feel rushed or threatening.”
Part of what makes fraud so pervasive is that it comes in countless forms and spans many different jurisdictions, agencies, and businesses. The EPS and partners have come together to raise awareness, and will officially kick off Fraud Prevention Month at Central Lions Seniors Centre on Monday, March 3, 2025, from
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Partner Quotes
"Better Business Bureau Serving Alberta and East Kootenay is honoured to be taking part in Fraud Prevention Month. Together with all of our partners this month of activity represents a meaningful opportunity to reach millions of consumers and businesses and provide them with valuable information on how fraud and scams can be prevented now and going forward."
-Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen, President and CEO, Better Business Bureau
“At Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association (ACCPA) we are pleased to partner with our police and law enforcement agencies, community and consumer groups to chair Albert Fraud Prevention Month. March being a month of crime prevention initiatives aimed at educating and creating awareness in how to recognize, report, and stop fraud of any nature with our partners and communities.”
-President Corinna Williams, ACCPA
“As Alberta’s largest benefit provider, Alberta Blue Cross processes more than 77.2 million claim lines each year with a value exceeding $3.8 billion, and we have stringent measures in place to detect and prevent fraud and plan abuse. Recognizing our responsibility to protect the viability of the plans we provide to our customers, we have zero tolerance to fraud—and we applaud efforts to bring more awareness to fraud deterrence through Fraud Prevention Month.”
-Brian Geislinger, Senior Vice-President of Corporate Relations and Community Engagement with Alberta Blue Cross.
"Fraud is an evolving threat that affects individuals and businesses. As fraudsters develop increasingly sophisticated tactics, it's crucial that we all stay informed and vigilant. Fraud Prevention Month serves as an important reminder that awareness, education, and prevention are the best defense. By working together with partners, we can all help protect our communities and reduce the impact of Fraud"
-Vivianna Botticelli, President of the Edmonton Chapter of The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Partners participating in Fraud Prevention Month include RCMP, Alberta Blue Cross, Better Business Bureau, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Electronic Recycling Association, Real Estate Council of Alberta, Service Alberta, Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association, Crime Stoppers, Servus Credit Union, and Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch.
Follow EPS on social media and visit Edmontonpolice.ca/fraud for more information on common scams and how to spot them.