The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) and City of Medicine Hat are warning residents of a fraudulent scam that is circulating in the community.

A local business owner recently reported to the MHPS that they had received a call from an unknown person claiming to be an employee of the City of Medicine Hat. The caller advised that the business owner that the utilities were going to be disconnected due to lack of payment and directed that payment for the “overdue” amount was required via Bitcoin. The victim was also provided a 1-800 number to call which was directed to a false City of Medicine Hat voicemail system with several prompts for various City departments.

Residents are reminded that the City of Medicine Hat does not accept Bitcoin as a form of payment.  If you receive a suspicious, and unprompted phone call regarding your utilities, do not engage with the caller and just hang up.  If you have questions regarding your City of Medicine Hat Utility account, you can contact the department directly at 403-529-8111.

Anyone who has fallen victim to this scam, and has not already reported it to police, is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

Insp. Brent Secondiak
Operational Services Division
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416