Brooks RCMP warn of fake text scam targeting Alberta health cards
A circulating text falsely claims Albertans must renew their health cards through a new online system, prompting a police fraud warning.
Why it matters
The scam targets a service nearly every Albertan relies on, putting personal and health information at risk of theft.
Brooks RCMP are alerting Albertans to a fraudulent text message claiming health cards are no longer valid and that recipients must sign up for a new "Electronic Health Identification System" to keep accessing health-care services. The message includes a link to an online form requesting personal information.
Police note that government agencies do not send unsolicited texts asking for personal, financial or health information via a link, and that scammers often use urgent, official-sounding language to pressure victims into handing over sensitive data that can be used for identity theft.
RCMP advise anyone receiving such a message to avoid clicking links or opening attachments, refrain from sharing personal, banking or health details, delete the text, block the sender's number if possible, and confirm any claims directly with an official government source.
Anyone who has already shared information with the scammer should contact their bank and local police. Incidents can also be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.