By Shaun Penner

Traveller Scam

Grande Prairie RCMP warning public of potential stranded traveller scam

Apr 12, 2021 | 3:50 PM

RCMP in Grande Prairie are issuing a warning to residents after a potential scam was reported to them last week which was being perpetrated by what appears to be a family of four claiming to be stranded in the city.

On Thursday, April 8, RCMP received a report of a person who was approached by a family claiming to be stranded in Grande Prairie and in need of financial help. Police say an adult male approached the victim outside of their home and said that their bank accounts were frozen and they had no way of returning to Calgary.

From there, authorities say the male asked for money and in return would give the victim several pieces of gold jewelry as collateral.

The family of four is described as:

• Male, 40-50 years old wearing a white polo shirt
• Female, 40-50 years old wearing a dark-coloured blouse
• Male youth, 16-17 years old
• Female youth, 15-16 years old.
• The family was driving a white Dodge Durango SUV.

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“Suspects in these types of scams will often take advantage of the victim’s goodwill. The goods traded/sold to the victims are later discovered to be either a lower quality than claimed by the suspects or counterfeit,” said Sgt. Shawn Graham with the Grande Prairie RCMP.

RCMP warn the public to be cautious of this type of suspicious activity. Anyone who is or believes they are a victim of a scam or theft is asked to immediately report it to RCMP.

If you wish to report information anonymously, you can contact 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.