Cybercriminals represent a “serious and ongoing public risk” to Albertans, the provincial government recently warned.
Specifically, there is concern around cybercriminals “targeting families, seniors, and businesses across Alberta for financial exploitation.”
In response, the province is launching a specialized Cybercrime Task Force in order to address the growing problem of extortion and digital fraud targeting Albertans.
“We have seen too many examples of extortion threats across our province,” commented Minister of Justice Mickey Amery.
“This is unacceptable and it’s why Alberta is taking action to develop a coordinated provincial strategy to stop these scammers from extorting families in our communities,” Amery remarked.
The task force will provide recommendations to address cybercrime, including fraud, identity theft, and extortion carried out using technology, according to Jason Stephan, MLA for Red Deer-South who will function as the Cybercrime Task Force Chairman.
“With growing uses of artificial intelligence, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on this task force, working together to mitigate risks of cyber fraud, identity theft and extortion for the benefit of Albertans,” he stated.
The cross-ministry task force will comprise experts in law, technology, consumer protection, and law enforcement.
Membership will include representatives from the ministries of Justice, Public Safety and Emergency Services, Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Technology and Innovation, and Intergovernmental and International Relations.
The task force will explore ways to protect the public from scammers who impersonate, use threats or deception to obtain personal information, or pressure victims into making payments under false pretences.
Recommendations will focus on legislative and regulatory options to strengthen consumer protection and public safety, according to a statement from Alberta.
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