Alberta Residents Warned the Lost Cell Phone Inside Your House Scam Appears in St. Albert.
A concerning new scam appears to be making its rounds in Alberta, with two St. Albert women reporting recent encounters where individuals claimed their lost cell phone was tracking to the victim’s address and requested entry to their home. Authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution and never allow strangers into their residences.
The “lost cell phone” scam preys on people’s goodwill and willingness to help. The scenario typically unfolds with a seemingly distressed individual approaching your door, claiming they’ve lost their phone and that its tracking application (like “Find My iPhone” or “Find My Device”) indicates it’s located inside your house. They then request permission to enter and look for it.
Two women in St. Albert recently reported being targeted by this suspicious tactic. Both wisely refused entry to the individuals, trusting their instincts that something was amiss. While no instances of home invasion or theft directly linked to this specific ruse have been confirmed in the immediate aftermath of these St. Albert incidents, police are well aware of similar scams used elsewhere to gain access to homes for more nefarious purposes.
Why this is dangerous:
- Home Invasion/Robbery: The primary goal of this scam is often to gain unchallenged entry into your home. Once inside, the individual (or an accomplice waiting outside) could commit theft, or worse, a violent home invasion.
- Casing the Property: Even if immediate theft doesn’t occur, allowing someone inside provides them with crucial information about your home’s layout, valuables, and security measures, potentially setting the stage for a future break-in.
- Distraction Theft: Sometimes, one person will engage the homeowner while another accomplice slips in to quickly steal easily accessible items like purses, wallets, or electronics.
- Preying on Empathy: The scam relies on the victim’s natural desire to help someone in distress, making it particularly insidious.
What to do if targeted:
Police and community safety experts offer clear advice on how to handle such situations:
- Do NOT Open Your Door: If you don’t know the person at your door, do not open it. Speak through a closed, locked door, or from behind a screen door if you have one.
- Never Allow Entry: Under no circumstances should you allow a stranger into your home, especially if their story sounds suspicious or makes you uncomfortable.
- Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Your intuition is a powerful tool for personal safety.
- Confirm Identity (if applicable): For legitimate service providers (utility workers, repair personnel), they should have identification and often schedule appointments in advance. This is not the case for a “lost phone” scenario.
- Call Non-Emergency Police: If someone is persistent, aggressive, or you feel threatened, call your local non-emergency police line immediately (e.g., RCMP non-emergency line). Report the incident, including a description of the individual(s) and any vehicles.
- Inform Neighbours: Share information about suspicious activities with your neighbours to help keep the community safe.
- Use Security Features: Utilize peepholes, doorbell cameras, and chain locks to maintain a barrier between you and unknown individuals at your door.
While we all want to be good neighbours and help those in need, your personal safety and the security of your home must always come first. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to their local law enforcement.
