Edmonton Police Appeal for Public Assistance in Multi-Province Fraud Investigation Targeting Seniors
Edmonton police have issued a public appeal for help identifying multiple suspects connected to an extensive interprovincial debit and credit card fraud network that specifically targets senior citizens. The investigation, which involves collaboration with Calgary Police Service and the RCMP, has uncovered fraudulent activities spanning across British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.
Details of the Senior-Targeting Scam Operation
The investigation began in January 2025 when police received a report about an 85-year-old Edmonton man who fell victim to a sophisticated banking scam. According to Edmonton Police Service (EPS), the senior received a phone call from an individual claiming to be a bank employee who informed him that his credit cards were being used fraudulently outside Edmonton.
The scammer instructed the elderly man to cut up all his credit and debit cards and hand them to what was described as a "bank courier." Shortly after this interaction, surveillance footage captured two unidentified male suspects using the victim's compromised credit cards, resulting in approximately $30,000 in fraudulent charges.
Identified Suspects and Expanding Investigation
In March 2025, police released photographs of two suspects who were subsequently identified as Aude Gnahore, 22, and Massamba Sow, 38. Both individuals have been charged with fraud over $5,000 in connection with this case.
Since the initial report, EPS has received at least 36 additional reports of similar scams targeting seniors across multiple provinces. Through coordinated efforts with law enforcement agencies in Calgary and the RCMP, investigators have determined that the same criminal group is operating similar fraudulent schemes in Calgary, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.
Police Advice for Preventing Senior Financial Fraud
Constable Clayton Tipton of EPS Beats emphasized the vulnerability of seniors to such financial scams in an official statement. "Unfortunately, these types of scams are common, and seniors can be particularly vulnerable," Tipton stated.
He offered crucial advice for families: "We always encourage families to talk to their senior relatives about scams, and remind them that the bank will never call you to ask for your PIN or tell you to cut up your bank card and send it back to them. If you get a call from someone who says they are with your bank, it's always okay to end the call and then contact the bank yourself to verify the request."
Surveillance Evidence and Public Appeal
Through extensive review of surveillance camera footage from various locations, investigators have connected at least 24 unidentified suspects to the fraudulent activities. Police are now releasing surveillance photographs of some of these individuals in hopes that members of the public can help identify them.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspects' identities to contact EPS directly at 780-423-4567. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The interprovincial nature of this fraud network highlights the organized criminal activity targeting vulnerable seniors across Canada, with law enforcement agencies working collaboratively to dismantle the operation and protect potential future victims.
