Lethbridge Police Warn of Email Spoofing Scam Seeking Deposits

Lethbridge police warned residents on Nov. 6, 2026, about an ongoing email spoofing scam in which fraudsters impersonate community members and ask for deposits on items supposedly being sold for aging or deceased relatives.

Police said the messages use a person’s name without permission to gain potential victims’ trust. The requested deposit is presented as a way to hold or buy an advertised item.

What to watch for

Police said scammers may pressure people by claiming items must be sold quickly because of an estate settlement, a move or financial hardship. They may also claim there are multiple interested buyers or insist on an immediate deposit.

Residents should be cautious of unsolicited offers for vehicles, equipment, collectibles and other valuable items, police said. They advise verifying the seller’s identity and inspecting the item whenever possible before sending an e-transfer, deposit or other payment.

Check the full sender address for misspellings, unusual characters or a domain that does not match the claimed sender. Police cautioned that even addresses that look legitimate can be spoofed. If an email seems unusual, verify it through another trusted way of communicating before taking action.

How to respond

Police advise anyone who receives a suspected fraudulent email not to reply, click links or download attachments. Report it as phishing or spam through the email provider, then delete it.

Anyone who clicked a suspicious link or disclosed personal information should change compromised passwords through legitimate websites or apps. Police also recommend contacting a financial institution if banking or payment information may have been exposed.

Anyone who lost money or experienced identity theft because of an email spoofing scam is encouraged to call Lethbridge Police Service at 403-328-4444 to file a report.