Staff Sgt. Ryan Case speaking to residents about scams and frauds at a meeting in 2025. (Image Credit: File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

MTACC, RCMP teaming up

Presentation in Melfort focused on fraud and scams

Feb 18, 2026 | 1:44 PM

The Melfort Trade Alliance Chamber of Commerce (MTACC) and the Melfort RCMP are teaming up for a scam and fraud prevention meeting. 

The event will be held at the Canalta Hotel on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. 

Chamber Executive Director Lorana McComber told northeastNOW the meeting is important because scams and fraud are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. 

“As a chamber, we want to help protect our businesses, seniors, families, and community members by giving them the tools and knowledge they need to recognize red flags and respond accordingly,” McComber said. 

RCMP Staff Sgt. Ryan Case agreed, saying many hard-working people are falling victim to scams.

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McComber noted that criminals have more of an opportunity than ever to reach people, and the scams are becoming very creative and believable. They also target people of all ages, and it’s important to remind people to stay alert so that they know what to do, and what not to do. 

According to Case, the scammers also adapt when the scams have made their rounds. 

“There are a lot of different regular scams that we have all heard about, but the fraudsters do change up their tactics when their regular scams are no longer successful,” Case said. “The types of scams change with the times and if people are aware of them, they can prevent becoming a victim.” 

The previous presentation on the topic garnered a large turnout and positive feedback, and McComber hopes to see the same level of engagement this time around.  

Case said the scams and frauds are common because people are often fooled into providing personal information to unauthorized people, which could end up in lost money and/or identity fraud.  

“If people are informed about scams and frauds, they can more easily identify a scam and not provide private information,” Case said. “Education is the key component to prevention.” 

Case said in 2025, Melfort RCMP received 65 reports of possible fraud. Though not all cases resulted in people losing money, Case said there were incidents in which people were scammed out of a lot of cash. 

McComber said if even one person avoids becoming a victim because of something they learned at the meeting, then it has been a success. 

“We also want to strengthen the partnership between the RCMP, the chamber, and the community,” said McComber. 

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com