Alert: Scam Impersonating The Smith Investigation Agency Inc.

Alert: Scam Impersonating The Smith Investigation Agency Inc.

At The Smith Investigation Agency Inc., we take the safety and security of our clients seriously, and we are committed to keeping you informed about any threats to your security. Recently, we have been made aware of a scam in which an individual is impersonating a representative from our agency, attempting to deceive potential clients into believing they are being contacted by us. This post serves to clarify the situation and provide information on how to recognize and protect yourself from similar scams.

The Scam Details

The scam was brought to our attention when a potential client, Ms. Gulnaz, received a WhatsApp message from someone claiming to be from The Smith Investigation Agency Inc. in Edmonton. The message read:

“Hello, Ms. *******. This is the Smith Investigation Agency in Edmonton that you and Mrs. ******* visited in February. We have tried to contact Mrs. ****** on the number you provided, but were blocked and spammed with calls. You wanted us to look into the possible candidates you were seeing for marriage and the infidelity concerns Mrs. ***** had about her spouse. We have compiled the evidence and would like to know if you could come into the office to meet with Marina.”

Following this initial message, the scammer sent a video and engaged in additional back-and-forth communication with Ms. Gulnaz, further convincing her that she was speaking with someone from our agency.

The phone number associated with this scam is 1 (587) 315-2667, and the name under the image is showing as “Khaani”.

We want to make it clear that this is not an authorized representative of our agency.

How to Recognize Scams Like This

Scammers often prey on unsuspecting individuals by impersonating legitimate businesses and organizations. The key signs of a scam include:

• Unsolicited contact: Receiving unexpected communication, especially via unprofessional channels such as WhatsApp, is a red flag.

• Suspicious messages: Scammers often use vague or generalized language, making broad claims like having “compiled evidence” without clear context.

• Request to meet with unverified staff: In this case, the scammer mentioned meeting with a person named “Marina,” who does not exist within our agency.

• Sending videos or links: Scammers frequently send media files or links that may contain harmful malware or phishing attempts.

• Pressure or urgency: Scammers will often try to rush the victim into a decision or meeting, creating a sense of urgency.

Additionally, it’s important to note that this scam message was sent in the evening, but our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM EST, and Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM EST. We do not correspond with clients outside of these hours. If you receive a message outside of our business hours, it’s likely to be fraudulent.

What We Do and Don’t Do

To clarify further:

1. We do not communicate with clients via text messages under any circumstances.

2. We do not use WhatsApp to contact clients or conduct business.

3. We do not send links or correspondence via text or WhatsApp.

4. We do not have any staff member named Marina working with us.

If you receive any communication similar to the one described above, it is important not to engage with the sender. Do not click on any links or open any attachments. Immediately report the individual as spam.

How to Protect Yourself from Scams

Scams like these are not only a threat to individuals but also to businesses. The Smith Investigation Agency Inc. is not immune to being targeted by fraudsters, and we want to help you protect yourself from these malicious acts.

Here are some steps you can take if you encounter a similar scam:

1. Do not respond to unsolicited messages or calls.

2. Do not click on any links or open any files that you receive via text or social media from unknown contacts.

3. Report the scammer immediately: Most messaging platforms allow you to report fraudulent accounts or block the sender.

4. Verify the contact information: If you’re ever unsure whether you’re dealing with a legitimate agency or service, always reach out directly to the company using official contact details (e.g., phone numbers or email addresses listed on their website).

5. Report the incident to the authorities: We have filed this scam with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

   • CAFC Reporting System Receipt: Complaint Reference no. 2025-51118 submitted on 2025-06-18.

   

Conclusion

We take this matter very seriously, and we want to reassure our clients and the public that The Smith Investigation Agency Inc. operates with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. If you have encountered this scam or any other suspicious activity, please reach out to us so we can further assist you. Stay vigilant, and never hesitate to contact us directly if you have any concerns about the legitimacy of any communication.

Thank you for your continued trust in The Smith Investigation Agency Inc..