(Image Credit: rdnewsNOW staff)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Bitcoin and cryptocurrency

Lacombe Police alerts residents of increase in ‘grandparent scams’

Feb 9, 2026 | 4:46 PM

The Lacombe Police Service is alerting the public to a recent increase in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and grandparent scams.

Police say these scams are often well-rehearsed and emotionally manipulative.

“Offenders may pose as a loved one, lawyer, police officer, or court official and attempt to create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into sending money or cryptocurrency,” as stated in a media release. “Once cryptocurrency is transferred, it is extremely difficult, and often impossible, to recover.”

The Grandparent Scam

In the grandparent scam, offenders typically:

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• Contact victims by phone, text, or email claiming to be a grandchild or someone calling on their behalf
• State the grandchild has been arrested, injured, or is in legal trouble
• Request immediate payment for bail, fines, legal fees, or emergency expenses
• Ask that payment be made using Bitcoin, other cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers
• Instruct victims not to tell other family members, claiming it will “make things worse.”

These calls are designed to cause panic and bypass logical decision-making.

Common Warning Signs of Cryptocurrency Scams

Residents should be cautious of:

• Requests for payment using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency
• Urgent demands requiring immediate action
• Claims involving police, courts, lawyers, banks, or government agencies requesting cryptocurrency
• Pressure to keep the situation secret
• Requests to share wallet information, recovery phrases, QR codes, or to install software
• Promises of guaranteed or unusually high investment returns

Legitimate police services, courts, and government agencies do not request payment in cryptocurrency.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

The Lacombe Police Service recommends that residents:

• Slow down and take time before sending any money or cryptocurrency
• Independently verify emergency claims by contacting family members directly
• Never send cryptocurrency to someone you do not personally know and trust
• Do not share passwords, recovery phrases, or verification codes
• Speak with a trusted family member, friend, or financial institution before acting

If you receive a call involving a supposed family emergency, hang up and call the family member directly using a phone number you already have.

If You Believe You’ve Been Targeted

If you believe you have been contacted by a scammer or may be a victim:

• Stop communication immediately
• Do not send further funds
• Report the incident to the Lacombe Police Service
• Consider reporting the matter to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Reporting helps protect others in the community and supports ongoing investigations.