Strathcona County Victim Services and RCMP began offering Hug Kits to romance-scam victims on October 5.

The kits are part of Unbreaking Project Canada and include a handmade blanket, fraud-recovery resources and supportive messages.

An investigating officer or Victim Services can offer a kit when someone reports romance fraud or another scam involving a personal relationship.

The initiative recognises that victims may face emotional distress and lost trust alongside financial losses.

The County reported $265,000 in local romance-scam losses as of September 23, 2026, while noting that embarrassment can discourage reporting.

Anyone who believes they have been scammed should contact police and their financial institution promptly.

Local reports can be made through the RCMP non-emergency line, 780-467-7741, or at the detachment, 911 Bison Way.