Alberta RCMP encourage vigilance ahead of spring scam season

ALBERTA -- RCMP are encouraging residents to be aware of a rise in paving and fake gold scams heading to the spring. 

This comes as the Mounties say they've already begun to see an increase in these types of scams reported to their detachments across the province. They encourage members of the public to be vigilant, and to especially be cautious amid a rise in certain scams involving fraudulent contractors and fake gold/jewelry. 

In the case of paving scams, fraudsters will claim to have leftover materials from previous jobs and offer to pave driveways and parking lots at reduced pricing. Companies may use business names that suggest they are affiliated with a government road maintenance department and typically provide false addresses or contact information. 

"You need to be leery of any unsolicited offers when they come to your house. If it sounds too good to be true, it will be," said Cpl. Troy Savinkoff with the Alberta RCMP. "Do not pay for this service up front. If they have done the work, don't be intimidated. If it gets to the point where they want money and you aren't satisfied, and they're starting to intimidate, call the RCMP if you're feeling threatened."

When it comes to paving contractors, it's important to remember to always obtain a written quote that includes the full business name, address, phone number, GST number, as well as provincial and municipal license numbers, if applicable.

Gold and fake jewelry scams have also seen a sharp increase over the past two years. In these cases, victims are approached by a seemingly stranded motorist. The scammer wil claim they need money for food, gas, or airfare to get home, and offer fake gold or jewelry for exchange. They often cite hardship, such as the recent death of a family member, or referencing sad-looking children in their vehicles in order to solicit a sympathetic response from victims. The scammers will sell what turns out to be fake jewelry or use distraction techniques to remove real jewelry from a victim.

"These are traveling groups and a lot of them aren't even from Alberta," said Cpl. Savinkoff. "They go from area to area, they keep moving, they commit a lot of theft, and then they move on. The advice here is that anytime you're approached unsolicited in parking lots -- keep your distance from these individuals."

If you have been the victim of or have information regarding a scam in your area, you can call your local police or the RCMP non-emergency line while in any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction at 310-RCMP (7267).