Central Alberta
Bitcoin Scams Have Grown by 400% in Canada since 2017
The Central Alberta Crime Prevention Centre (CACPC) is aware of the growing number of Bitcoin locations in the City of Red Deer and surrounding areas. This is a cause for concern as Bitcoin scams have grown by 400% since 2017 in Canada.
Mercedes Messinger, owner of Messinger Meats, reached out to CACPC in the summer of 2020 because of her concern for the number of people experiencing fraud using the Bitcoin machine in her store. She had numerous people returning to the store after they have been scammed and demand their money back, which, of course, was impossible. She, and her staff, have saved many people from putting thousands of dollars into the Bitcoin machine by asking them questions like, “Do you know the person you are sending the money to?”, or “Do you know why you are sending this money?”.
In response to Mercedes’ concerns, CACPC came up with the solution, pictured here, which included the installation of a plastic screen in front of the machine with a decal that says, “STOP. PLEASE REQUEST STAFF ASSISTANCE”, as well as a rack card (brochure) beside the machine to educate users about Bitcoin fraud and providing reporting information for victims of fraud.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BITCOIN:
- The following organizations DO NOT accept Bitcoin as a payment method:
– Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
– RCMP
– Government of Canada
– Immigration, Refugee & Citizenship Canada
– Utility companies
– Banks or credit card companies - Once you have deposited your cash into the Bitcoin machine, it cannot be reversed and is untraceable.
- If you are afraid to tell your family or friends about a Bitcoin transaction, or you have a “feeling” something is not right, it is probably a SCAM!
- If you feel fearful or threatened, you may be a victim of a SCAM! Often times, scammers will keep you on the phone while you withdraw cash from your bank and until you have deposited that cash into the Bitcoin machine to keep the pressure on and to ensure you act “immediately”.
If you suspect you have been the victim of a scam or fraud, don’t be embarrassed and keep quiet. It is important to report this crime as it may prevent someone else from becoming a victim. Here are the steps for reporting fraud or a scam:
- RCMP Non-Emergency Line: 403-343-5575
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Toll-Free: 1-888-495-8501, Website: antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
- If you gave out your Social Insurance Number or other personal information, you will also need to contact:
1) Your bank;
2) Equifax 1-800-465-7166 (After making language selection, say “fraud” or press 3)
NEED SUPPORT? Contact VICTIM SERVICES, Ph: 403-406-2345, Website: reddeercityvsu.ca
Over the next couple of months, the Central Alberta Crime Prevention Centre will be providing FREE posters to Bitcoin ATM host locations and encouraging business owners to hang the poster near their Bitcoin ATM machine with the goal of creating awareness and reducing Bitcoin fraud.
If you would like to learn more about fraud and scams, please visit our website at cacpc.ca. If we can be of assistance to you regarding issues of crime and crime prevention, please contact us at 403-986-9904 of via email at [email protected].
Alberta
New Sheriffs unit to enhance public safety in Red Deer and Central Alberta
A new team of Alberta Sheriffs will work alongside police to keep crime out of central Alberta communities by targeting problem properties.
Since 2023, Alberta’s government has invested more than $27 million to help fight crime throughout the province. Building on these efforts, the government is now expanding the Alberta Sheriffs’ Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit with the creation of a new team of investigators in Red Deer. The creation of the Red Deer SCAN team is the latest in a series of measures aimed at enhancing public safety and increasing the Alberta Sheriffs’ ability to support police throughout the province.
The move puts more resources on the ground with a team of qualified experts who will investigate properties where illegal activity has been reported and shut them down through court orders when needed. The Red Deer SCAN team – made up of four Alberta Sheriffs – joins existing SCAN teams in Calgary, Edmonton, and Lethbridge, which have proven immensely effective in working alongside local police to shutter problem properties throughout the province.
“Alberta’s government will always maintain a zero-tolerance stance toward crime of any kind, and the expansion of the Alberta Sheriffs’ SCAN unit reflects that. With the creation of a new SCAN team in Red Deer, we’re expanding the unit’s coverage even further and putting more boots on the ground where they’re needed. Let this be a message to all criminals: you are not welcome here. Communities in the Red Deer area have a right not to be plagued by drug and other criminal activity that create dangerous environments, and Alberta’s government will do whatever it takes to keep people safe.”
The Sheriffs’ SCAN unit operates under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, which uses legal sanctions and court orders to hold owners accountable for illegal activity happening on their property, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking and child exploitation. SCAN augments and supports local police to both investigate and close properties where evidence of criminal activity has been confirmed.
“Ensuring safety for law-abiding Albertans is of utmost importance for Alberta’s government and requires a comprehensive approach to effectively combat and prevent criminal activity. This involves enhancing law-enforcement resources, fostering community engagement, implementing crime prevention programs, and promoting collaboration between Alberta Sheriffs and local police. This SCAN team is a game-changer in central Alberta and puts criminals on notice that they are not welcome here.”
“The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act holds property owners accountable for activities on their property that threaten public safety. Alberta’s SCAN teams support policing efforts by addressing illegal activities on these properties. This additional team will enhance RCMP community safety programs.”
When a community member reports a problem property to SCAN, the unit begins an investigation. Once the investigation confirms the activity, investigators contact the property owner to try and resolve the issue informally. If informal efforts are unsuccessful, SCAN can apply to the courts for a community safety order to impose restrictions and conditions on the property and its owner, which could include closing the property for up to 90 days. Any criminal activity uncovered when dealing with these properties is turned over to the police to investigate.
“Over the years, SCAN’s impact on community safety has been profound. More often than not, we see individuals in these problem properties carrying out drug operations and other criminal activities beside homes, schools, playgrounds and other places where Albertans’ safety should never be in question. Crime has no place in any Alberta neighbourhood, and we look forward to working with our policing partners in the Red Deer area to help keep central Alberta communities safe.”
SCAN continues to see tremendous success, having closed problem properties in Lethbridge, Calgary, Spruce Grove and Medicine Hat in the last six months alone. Since May 2024, Alberta’s government has publicly announced the closure of seven problem properties by SCAN, including three in Calgary, two in Lethbridge, and one each in Spruce Grove and Medicine Hat.
“Creating a safer environment for our citizens improves the overall quality of our community in Red Deer. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Alberta’s government, SCAN and all our law enforcement partners who work tirelessly every day to keep our communities safe. This is great news for the City of Red Deer, and together, we can make our community safer. I encourage residents to report any suspicious activity to the SCAN unit.”
The Red Deer SCAN team’s operational boundaries encompass the city of Red Deer and its surrounding communities and rural areas, providing coverage to the central area spanning Ponoka to the north and Olds to the south.
Blackfalds
Drugs and guns seized in Blackfalds bust: RCMP
From Blackfalds RCMP
Blackfalds RCMP execute search warrant seizing drugs and guns
Blackfalds, Alta. – In September of 2024 the Blackfalds RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) with assistance from Sylvan Lake GIS entered into an investigation involving an individual believed to be trafficking drugs in the community. As a result of the investigation, on Oct. 2, 2024, Blackfalds RCMP with assistance from Innisfail RCMP GIS and Red Deer RCMP Police Dog Service executed a search warrant at a home in Blackfalds.
As a result of the search RCMP seized:
- 253 grams of Cocaine
- $3343 in Currency
- 6 firearms
RCMP have arrested and charged Blackfalds resident, Lotus Joan Silver Stalteri-Roberts (25), with:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking;
- Possession of stolen property under $5000;
- Weapons offences (x8).
Stalteri-Roberts was taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody with her next court date set for Oct. 3, 2024, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer.
“This investigation saw the effective coordination of different RCMP Detachments and Sections to quickly and safely remove these drugs and guns from our community,” says Staff Sergeant Andrew Allan.
If you have any information about this investigation or about drug trafficking in the Blackfalds area please contact Blackfalds RCMP at 403-885-3333 or submit an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.
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