Calgary police have laid charges in a huge bank imposter scam that cost victims about $1.3 million.
Investigators say scammers called people, pretending to be their bank and claiming accounts had been compromised.
The calls were convincing enough with detailed personal and financial information already in hand, according to police.
Victims were talked into sharing login details and PINs, then told to hand over their bank cards by courier.
Those cards were used to drain cash and buy gift cards and high-end items.
Police linked more than 80 reports consistent with the scam in 2025, and 15 scams from March to August of that year were tied to the same group.
Two men were arrested after a search of a home on the 4700 block of Dalton Drive NW on April 14, while a third was arrested on April 15 in Edmonton.
Over $59,000 in cash, several debit, credit, and ID cards, and a small amount of cocaine were seized in the Calgary home.
Meanwhile, 22-year-olds Sirak Habtom and Ogyeth Mayum from Ottawa, and 25-year-old Brian-Shodu Kinyamba from Edmonton all face fraud over $5,000, unauthorized use of a credit card, money laundering, and theft over $5,000. Mayum was also wanted on 10 Canada-wide warrants in Ontario.
More evidence is being reviewed, which police say could lead to more charges.
Staff Sgt. Peter Duchnij says the investigation pointed to an extensive fraud operation, and intelligence suggests this network extends beyond Calgary.
“Fraud investigations are complex and resource-intensive, with most investigations involving large volumes of digital and financial data, multiple jurisdictions and offenders who deliberately use technology to exploit public trust. Despite these challenges, our investigators remain committed to disrupting organized fraud networks and continuing to warn the public about these evolving scams,” he said in a press release.
Police ask anyone with information about these incidents to call them at 403-266-1234 or leave a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.