The Taber Police Service is warning residents about a scam where text messages claim their Alberta health cards are obsolete and need replacing through a fake online system. [Note: This attribution could not be independently verified; other Alberta police services such as Devon RCMP, Lethbridge Police Service, and Olds RCMP have issued similar warnings.]
Police say the messages tell recipients that cards issued before January 2023 are no longer valid and must be switched to an “Electronic Health Identification System” by clicking a suspicious link. No such government replacement program exists.
“The Government of Alberta will never send unsolicited text messages asking for Albertans’ personal or financial information,” said a statement from Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally.
The scam appears to be taking advantage of confusion around the province’s July 2, 2026 launch of new combined driver licences that include health card numbers. Wes Lafortune, Media and Communications Specialist for the Better Business Bureau serving Alberta and East Kootenay, said scammers are trying to make the messages seem legitimate.
Police urge anyone who receives a suspicious message to not click any links, not reply with personal details, and delete the text immediately. Residents should verify any health card claims directly through Alberta Health or official government contacts.
Those who believe they have been targeted can report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online.
