The Medicine Hat Police Service has laid charges against one person in connection to an alleged grandparent scam. (Photo: Pattison Media)

By Regan Tate / with files from David Opinko

Medicine Hat man charged in alleged ‘grandparent scam’

Nov 30, 2023 | 6:01 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) has laid charges in connection to a scam.

After receiving multiple reports from residents, the MHPS issued a warning to the public on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, about a so-called “grandparent scam.”

Grandparent scams are when a fraudster targets older people.

In this scenario, police say a senior receives a phone call from someone pretending to be their grandchild. The caller will indicate that they are in some kind of serious trouble and need money immediately.

Ashley Gackle, 46, of Medicine Hat, faces two counts of theft over $5,000, two counts of fraud over $5,000, and one count each of breaching a release order and breaching a conditional sentence order.

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Gackle remains in custody following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in court next on November 30, 2023.

Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to call the MHPS at 403-529-8481.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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