Your phone rings. It’s an urgent call saying your loved one is involved in a criminal incident. Your loved one needs help – and help can come in the form of a cash deposit to a lawyer or other person.
Only the high-stress situation you’ve been called about is not real – it’s a fraud. This type of fraud is often referred to as an “emergency scam,” “grandparent scam” or other variations.
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Both the RPS and White Butte RCMP recently received multiple reports of “emergency” or “grandparent” scams or frauds.
In these most recent cases reported to police, the caller describes the false emergency to the victim and makes arrangements for someone to pick up cash from the victim. The caller tells the victim that they are under a “gag order” and there will be punishment if they go to police or tell anyone about the exchange of money. At this time, there are five confirmed victims in Regina and one in the White Butte area. In total, these victims report being defrauded in excess of $40,000 dollars.
On Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, as part of an ongoing province-wide investigation, RPS investigators arrested and charged two suspects, an adult male and an adult female. At this time, approximately $20,000 of the stolen money has been recovered.
This investigation is ongoing.Police believe there are more victims. If you believe you are a victim of this scam, please contact police at 306-777-6500 within the City of Regina and 310-RCMP (7261) outside of the city. The community is asked to remain vigilant as officers work to hold all involved offenders accountable.
“Often the victims of these types of frauds are seniors, but anyone can fall victim,” shares Staff Sergeant Shortland of RCMP South District.“High-pressure tactics are used to form urgent situations and often involve emotional manipulation. Educate yourself and speak with your loved ones about fraud awareness and empower them with tactics to use if they receive a suspicious call. RCMP investigators will continue working with partner police services – because these types of files cross borders and impact the public at large.”
What to do
Trust your gut! Ask yourself: could this be a scam? Are the details ‘off’ or circumstances strange?
Do not offer any money or personal information until you confirm story details with your family first. Hang up and call your family at a number you know is theirs to verify information.
Requests for payment in gift cards, a wire transfer, cryptocurrency or some other payment can indicate suspicious activity. Never provide your credit card number to the caller. Speak to your bank in person before making large withdrawals.
When to call police:if you believe you are a victim of this type of fraud, report it to your local police.
