A sudden, urgent phone call claiming your loved one has been arrested or involved in a serious incident, and needs money immediately, can trigger fear and panic. But increasingly, police are warning that these high-pressure, emotional calls are not real emergencies, but sophisticated frauds known as “emergency scams” or “grandparent scams.”
Reports have come in at Regina and White Butte.
Both the Regina Police Service (RPS) and White Butte RCMP have seen a recent rise in these scams. In the latest cases, callers created false emergencies and sent individuals to collect cash directly from victims. The fraudsters also ordered victims to stay silent under a supposed “gag order,” threatening consequences if they contacted police.
Police have confirmed five victims in Regina and one in the White Butte area, with losses exceeding $40,000.
Two suspects have been arrested and charges have been laid.
RPS investigators arrested two suspects on December 2, 2025. Approximately $20,000 of the stolen money has been recovered.
As a result of the investigation, Ciprian Teodor, 50, of Quebec, and Alexandra Condurache, 40, of Quebec, jointly charged with: 2 counts of Fraud Over $5,000, 1 count of Fraud Under $5,000, and 2 counts of Attempt Fraud Over $5,000.
Teodor is also charged with: Fail to Comply With Conditions of Undertaking.
Both appeared in Regina Provincial Court on December 3, 2025.
Police Urge Vigilance and Public Awareness
Police believe more victims have not yet come forward.
Anyone who suspects they have been targeted should contact Regina Police at 306-777-6500 or RCMP at 310-RCMP outside the city.
“Often the victims of these types of frauds are seniors, but anyone can fall victim,” says 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.”
Police say these investigations frequently cross provincial borders, and officers continue to work together to hold offenders accountable.
How to Protect Yourself
- 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.
More tips and information is available here: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/protect-protegez-eng.htm
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has information about how you can protect yourself from scams and fraud, features and variations of fraud, and more online: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm