 Recent alerts by Alberta Police Services and Public Protection Agencies are listed here by area.
Police Seek Identity Thief on 137 Warrants Story & Photo
Do Not DIAL AREA CODE 809, 284, AND 876 More Info
ALBERTA
Scammers are calling or emailing trying to get you to call them back at the 809 area code.
Phone call example: a woman said 'Hey, This is Karen. Sorry I missed you--get back to us quickly.
I have something important to tell you.' Then She repeated a phone number beginning with 809
Do not respond.
This is also coming by email: They get you to call by telling you that it is information about
a family member who has been ill or to tell you someone has been arrested, died, or to let you know
you have won a wonderful prize, etc. In each case, you are told to call the 809 number right away.
Since there are so many new area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls.
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PROVIDED TO US BY AT&T. DON'T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809
This one is being distributed all over the US . This is pretty scary, especially given the way they try
to get you to call.
If you call from the U.S. , you will apparently be charged $2425 per-minute.
Or, you'll get a long recorded message. The point is, they will try to keep you on the phone as long
as possible to increase the charges. WHY IT WORKS:
The 809 area code is located in the Dominican Republic.
The charges afterward can become a real nightmare. That's because you did actually make the call.
If you complain, both your local phone company and your long distance carrier will not want to
get involved and will most likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreign
company. You'll end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they have done nothing wrong.
ATT&T Info
SOUTHERN ALBERTA
 Lethbridge Regional Police are investigating several incidents
involving counterfeit $100 bills and information from other
agencies has confirmed there appears to be an influx of
counterfeit bills being distributed in southern Alberta.
Over the past two weeks two bills were passed at local stores
and one was recovered at a local bank. The counterfeit $100s
contained numerous irregularities including a hologram from a $5 bill, a penned-in
“100” above the hologram, no security dots and a poor water colour image.
In two of the incidents the suspect was similarly described as a Caucasian female,
about 25-30 years old with shoulder length black hair. She has been seen wearing
a black ski jacket and pink hoodie.
A surveillance photo of the suspect is included for release.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 403-327-2210 or Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-8477.
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EDMONTON AND AREA
 Suspect in senior frauds thought to be in Edmonton
For Immediate Release:10-Feb-2010 @ 10:00 AM
MRU #:10R020 - 2
The Edmonton Police Service Robbery Section has been provided information that a
54-year-old man wanted on a Canada wide warrant for allegedly bilking seniors of
money may be in Edmonton.
EPS Acting Staff Sergeant Terry Innes says, “If someone has seen this man, or
possibly has been victimized by him, they need to contact police. Our seniors are
the most vulnerable to this type of crime and they need to be protected.”
Richard Earl Rupert of no fixed address is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for
robbery, break and enter, eight counts of fraud under $5,000, three counts of
attempted fraud under and six counts of theft under $5,000. Rupert is alleged to
have defrauded 20 seniors from January 2008 to November 2009 across Eastern
Canada. The seniors range in age from 78 to 95. The accused visits retirement
homes and communities where he poses as a distant relative, usually a nephew.
He convinces his victims to provide him with money for travel, car repairs or rent.
He is described as polite, well-mannered and well spoken. He has as many as 20
aliases, but usually goes by the first name Richard. He is described as white, 5’5’ –
5’6” tall, 140 to 160 pounds, short, dirty-blonde/grey hair with a receding hairline.
He has a reddish complexion, with chiseled cheekbones, hazel eyes and is usually
clean shaven.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at either the complaints line at
(780) 423-4567 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Edmonton Police Link
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Police looking for suspect in several thefts
For Immediate Release:07-Jan-2010 @ 10:30 AM
MRU #:10R008
EPS West Division is releasing surveillance images in hopes of identifying a suspect in connection with several thefts in Edmonton.
in the last few weeks, a rash of thefts has occurred at several city swimming pools, arenas and fitness facilities. Locks on lockers are typically cut off and personal items are taken from the locker, especially wallets. On more than one occasion, the suspect has used the stolen credit cards to purchase goods – laptop computers in particular - at London Drugs and Future Shop stores. The purchases have amounted to thousands of dollars.
Several RCMP detachments in Alberta have also been looking for the same suspect for thefts and frauds in St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Beaumont and Red Deer.
The suspect is a Caucasian male, approximately 5’10”, 180 lbs., wearing a black ball cap with a white logo and sunglasses propped on top. He was also wearing white sneakers, and a red and black winter jacket.
If you recognize the suspect or have any information about his whereabouts, please call police at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Edmonton Police Web Link
TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Minimize what you carry in your wallet.
- Try to avoid bringing valuables to high risk areas such as pools, arenas and fitness facilities.
- If leaving in vehicle secure out of sight (vehicles are not very secure places to keep valuables)
- Use a high quality lock for your locker
- Check your for your valuables when leaving
IF YOU ARE A VICTIM
- Notify authorities, banks, credit card companies, registries as soon as possible
- Go to www.phonebusters.com and follow the instructions of what to do if you have been a victim of Identity Theft.
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CALGARY AND AREA
ANOTHER DOOR-TO-DOOR SCAM ALERT - PA/MRU #10-014Emma Poole | January 11, 2010 10:05 AMThe Calgary Police Service is advising residents of several northeast communities about a door-to-door scam in their area. Since August 2009, dozens of homeowners in Pineridge, Whitehorn, Rundle, Temple, Monterey Park and Coral Springs have been approached by a man claiming to need assistance. While his requests often change, the suspect typically asks the homeowner for money to pay for a locksmith, claiming to have been locked out of his home or vehicle. He promises the resident to return the next day and repay the borrowed money, but is never seen again. The suspect in this case normally works alone, however, in recent months he has been seen with a woman. He is described as being Caucasian, in his mid-30s, approximately 6’ tall, with short, reddish/brown hair. The suspect has a noticeable broken nose, and has been seen wearing a black toque. The woman is described as Caucasian, approximately 5’ tall, with blond hair. She has been seen wearing a black jacket with a hood. Police discourage homeowners from giving money to people who come to the door asking for money for non-charitable causes. It’s also not recommended to let anyone into your vehicle or house, especially someone you’ve just met. If you have concerns about someone soliciting in your neighbourhood, call police. If you see anything or anyone suspicious or have information pertaining to a specific crime please call the Calgary Police Service at 266-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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High Risk Offender
The Calgary Police Service is issuing the following public information and warning in regards to the release of an inmate, in the interest of public safety.
Michael Edward LOPATRIELLO, 44, is in the Calgary area having served a five-and-a-half year federal prison sentence for two counts of sexual assault and two counts of uttering threats to cause death/harm. He will now be monitored by the Calgary Police Service High Risk Offender Program on a Section 810.1 Criminal Code Recognizance Order, for a period of two years.
The public is warned that LOPATRIELLO has a history of sexually assaulting young males. In the past, he has used alcohol and pornography to gain compliance from his victims.
LOPATRIELLO has been convicted of sexual assault charges in Alberta and British Columbia.
He is described 5’ 7” tall, 160 lbs., with a fair complexion, brown hair and green eyes.
LOPATRIELLO was released to the Calgary area on Monday, Jan.
11, 2010.
The Calgary Police Service is issuing this information and warning after careful deliberation and consideration of all related issues, including privacy concerns, in the belief that it is clearly in the public interest to inform the members of the community of the release of Michael Edward LOPATRIELLO.
Members of the public are advised that the intent of the process is to enable members of the public to take suitable precautionary measures and not to embark on any form of vigilante action.
NOTE: This information is released under the authority of
s.32 the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, S.A. 1994 c.F - 18.5.
For further information, contact the Calgary Police Service High Risk Offender Program, phone 403-206-8718.
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RED DEER AND AREA
Red Deer,
Alberta
January 11, 2010
RCMP Red Deer City Investigating Increase in Thefts from Vehicles
Red Deer City RCMP have continued to note an increase in overnight thefts from vehicles. Culprits are targeting locked and unlocked vehicles, with valuables visibly inside. Some common items being taken
are:
● money;● wallets and purses;● cellular telephones;● laptops;● electronic equipment, such as radar detectors, IPODs and MP3
players;
● briefcases;● other personal documents.
In some cases, garage door openers are being taken. This is allowing culprits access to garage contents and residences, in homes with attached garages.
As a preventative measure, RCMP encourage Citizens to:
● ensure ignition key is removed from all vehicles;
● ensure all vehicles are locked and windows are closed;
● remove any extra keys out of your vehicle;● remove all valuables from your vehicle or hide them out of
sight;
● remove garage door openers from view;● consider locking overhead garage doors at night;
● lock all doors leading to the home or exterior from the garage;
● disable overhead garage doors, if residents are away;● park in sensible places, avoiding unlit areas at night.
Red Deer City RCMP and Neighbourhood Watch advocate City Residents
also:
● get to know your neighbours;● watch your neighbourhood for suspicious activity;● report all suspicious activity to Police.
If you have information that will lead to the arrest of persons responsible for these or other crimes or recovery of stolen property, contact the Red Deer City RCMP at 403.343.5575. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.8477 or report it online to www.tipsubmit.com.
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RCMP warn of possible telephone scam
On January 19, 2010, RCMP began receiving numerous complaints involving questionable telephone solicitations that may result in possible identity theft.
Investigators believe that an unknown organization out of Ontario has obtained a list of cell phone customers phone numbers from Bell Mobility and other cell phone service providers. Calls are being placed to cell phone numbers registered to clients from various cell phone service providers. The callers are identifying themselves as customer service representatives offering incredible deals such as a 2 year contract with a new cell phone. Also included in the offer is: 100 free anytime minutes, free evening and weekends, unlimited text messaging, all for $25.00 a month.
The caller then requests key pieces of personal information from the customer such as; name, date of birth, social insurance number etc. to conduct a credit check. In some cases persons receiving these calls have had an Edmonton phone number appear on their call display. RCMP have determined that this number is not affiliated with Bell Mobility or any other legitimate business. It further appears that an unknown Ontario organization is using computer software or other means to disguise the number they are calling from to appear as though the call is originating from the Edmonton area.
At this point investigators believe this appears to be a scam. RCMP are alerting the public to be aware when releasing personal information over the telephone. It is always best to obtain the caller's name and number, check out the company and the offer, then decide if it is something that you are interested in, before disclosing any personal or financial information. Information provided to persons running a scam can result in severe financial consequences through various aspects of identity theft. Generally speaking if an offer appears to be 'too good to believe' or if you are pressured into a 'sign now or the deal is gone' situation, you are likely being lured into a possible scam.
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The Calgary Police Service Fugitive Task Force is seeking public assistance in locating a man wanted on outstanding warrants.
Oscar Scott MENDOZA, 26, of Calgary, is being sought on more than 22 Criminal Code warrants for violence, weapons and drug-related offences. He is believed to be in the Calgary area.
Anyone with information about MENDOZA’s whereabouts is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. If you see MENDOZA, do not approach him, and instead call 911.
A photo of MENDOZA is available at The City of Calgary Newsroom at newsroom.calgary.ca.
http://newsroom.calgary.ca/pr/calgary/seeking-public-assistance-153450.aspx
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