Alberta RCMP is warning the public about fraud linked to strangers soliciting money on the street.

Between February 1 and March 1, 2026, Strathcona County RCMP received five similar reports where victims were approached in business parking lots in Sherwood Park by unknown suspects using various distraction techniques in an attempt to steal items.

Strathcona County RCMP is highlighting theses thefts to the public in an effort to bring awareness to some of the tactics used by thieves and some safety tips.

Common tactics

Victim is approached, often in a parking lot or flagged down by a seemingly stranded motorist.

Scammer claim they need money for food, gas, or airfare to get home, and offer fake gold or jewellery for exchange.

Scammers may try to sell fake jewellery or electronics.

Victims are sometimes accompanied by the scammer to a bank ATM to withdraw cash or to a store to purchase gift cards.

In some cases, it’s been reported that the scammers use distraction techniques to remove real jewellery from a victim, and replace it with fake jewellery.

The scammer often cites 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. This can include reference to religion or prayer.

In most cases, the scammers are driving rental vehicles with out-of-province licence plates from Quebec, Ontario, or British Columbia.

How to stay safe

Remain vigilant at all times; Secure your valuables. Be cautious of strangers in your personal space or attempting to hug or touch you. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to say no or yell for help if you feel uncomfortable. Walk away from any suspicious person or behaviour.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by a distraction theft, or any other crime in Strathcona County, contact Strathcona County RCMP at 780-467-7741. If you wish to remain anonymous, 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. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.