MARCH IS FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH

March 2026 Marks the 22st Anniversary of Fraud Prevention Month in Canada


Fraud Prevention Month is a month-long crime prevention initiative aimed at educating and informing consumers and communities on how to recognize, report and stop fraud.

Across Alberta, interested police and law enforcement agencies, and community and consumer groups form the Alberta Fraud Prevention Month committee to plan events and spread key messages to the public on how to better protect themselves.

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WEEKLY CRIME PREVENTION THEMES


Every year the Alberta Fraud Prevention Month Committee selects weekly themes to help all participating agencies present a unified message and campaign for the month of March.

Join us at Fraud Prevention Month Launch Events

#FPM2026

WEEK 1

March 1-7, 2026

AI Scams

WEEK 2

March 8-14, 2026

Investment Scams

WEEK 3

March 15-21, 2026

Online Scams & Fraud/Scams

WEEK 4

March 22-28, 2026

Mass Marketing/

Phone Scams

WEEK 5

March 29-31, 2026

Relationship Scams

Fraud Prevention Month 2026 - Calendar of Events


Join us at Fraud Prevention Month Launch Events


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THEME 1 / WEEK 1

AI Scams

Examples:

  • Voice Cloning Scams - Fraudsters clone a loved one’s voice from social media clips and make urgent distress calls asking for money or personal details.
  • AI-Generated Kidnapping Calls - Scammers use cloned voices and background sound effects to claim someone has been kidnapped, demanding immediate payment.
  • Deepfake Video Impersonation - Criminals create fake videos of executives, coworkers, or public figures asking staff to transfer funds or share internal information.
  • Romance Scams Enhanced by AI Chatbots - Instead of one scammer running multiple profiles, AI chatbots now manage conversations 24/7, creating highly convincing emotional bonds.
  • Fake Customer Support Agents - AI-powered chat interfaces pretend to be legitimate support for companies like banks, airlines, or tech brands, leading victims to share logins or install malware.
  • AI-Generated Investment Advisors - Deepfake “financial experts” or AI-driven trading bots promise guaranteed returns. Often paired with fake news sites or celebrity endorsements created with AI.
  • Phishing Emails and Texts Written by AI - Messages are nearly flawless in grammar and tone, making them harder to spot. They mimic corporate writing styles or match a victim’s communication patterns.
  • AI-Assisted Job Interview Scams - Fake recruiters use AI voices or video avatars in interviews to appear legitimate before asking for fees, banking info, or copies of ID.
  • Synthetic Identity Fraud - AI creates realistic fake IDs, passports, or people (including profile pictures) used to open accounts, secure loans, or run elaborate fraud schemes.
  • AI-Generated Rental or Marketplace Listings - Listings include AI-generated photos, descriptions, and instant “chat with the landlord/seller” bots designed to secure deposits quickly.

THEME 2 / WEEK 2

Investment Scams

Examples:

  • Investment fraud via social media
  • Ponzi or pyramid schemes
  • Crypto currency schemes
  • Real Estate scams
  • Offshore investing schemes

THEME 3 / WEEK 3

Online Scams & Fraud

Examples:

  • Romance scams - Click HERE to watch Edmonton Police Service video
  • Phishing emails
  • Job Scams
  • Buy and Sell Fraud
  • Lottery/prize scams
  • Tech repair scams
  • Impersonation scams

THEME 4/ WEEK 4

Mass Marketing/Phone Scams

Examples:

  • spoofed phone numbers/calls
  • phone scams – tech support, Microsoft, CRA, airlines, etc.
  • fraudulent telemarketers
  • mass mail-outs/subscriptions
  • Emergency scam/Grandparent scam
  • Work at Home schemes
  • CRA scam
  • Foreign Lottery/Prize schemes
  • Overpayment Schemes
  • Inheritance Schemes
  • Credit card interest rate reduction schemes

THEME 5 / WEEK 5

Relationship Scams

Examples:

  • Romance scams
  • Grandparents scams
  • Extortion scams

2025 Fraud Prevention Month

Edmonton Launch - March 3, 2025

2024 FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH


Red Deer Chamber of Commerce February 29, Edmonton Outlet Mall March 1, Red Deer Library March 5, Calgary Market Mall March 8

FRAUD PREVENTION SCAMS & ARTICLES


Recent scams, tips and articles.

Recent Scams

Read about reports of recent scams in Canada and Alberta. Be aware, learn the facts and find out how to protect yourself.

Expert Tips

ACCPA experts share tips on what to look out for, how to stay safe and how to protect yourself from becoming a target.

Links & Resources

Learn about agencies and resources across Canada and Alberta that work with us to help prevent crime in your community.


COMMUNITY PARTNERS


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