Redcliff man faces several charges following attempted armed robbery

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 25, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

A seven-month investigation has led to the arrest of 47-year-old Daniel Vander Meulen, of Redcliff, who has been charged with attempted robbery and assault with a weapon for pointing a firearm at a business owner outside their home last fall.

Medicine Hat police say back in September 2024, a local business owner reported that he had received a phone call that prompted him to leave his home and go check on a business property.

Once the business owner was outside his home and in his vehicle ready to leave, a male using a mask approached him and pointed a firearm at the driver’s window. Police say the business owner managed to escape without injury by swiftly reacting.

The “extensive” investigation involving multiple judicial authorizations led to the arrest of Vander Meulen, who has also been charged with possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace and use of an imitation firearm.

Vander Meulen is scheduled to appear in court on April 16.

Police say following their investigation, the business owner was known to Vander Meulen and the incident was a targeted attack. Officers say the intent was to rob the business owner.

Mass marketing and phone scams

Throughout March, during Fraud Prevention Month in Canada, the Medicine Hat Police Service has been sharing information on how to recognize and prevent common frauds and scams.

The month-long crime prevention initiative seeks to educate consumers and community members on the wide range of scams used by fraudsters, and current trends and tactics constantly being changed by criminals.

This week police are highlighting mass marketing and phone scams that have become one of the most common types of frauds Canadians experience.

“Ultimately, the fraudster wants to obtain your personal information or be provided money from you in any method,” reads a press release from police who say fraudsters are often able to imitate real companies or phone numbers.

These spoofed or copied phone numbers and emails may look legitimate and are used to gain personal information or request money to be transferred.

Police say often legitimate companies will use their own name in an email address as opposed to an email ending in Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo.

Another common scam involves people posing as professionals from the Canada Revenue Agency, Canada Border Service Agency or other government officials.

Police say they may request e-transfers, gift card codes, cryptocurrency or credit card information as a payment for a bogus fine.

This very similar scam involves fraudsters posing as computer technical support agents from companies like Microsoft and will attempt to gain remote access to your computer to steal personal information and passwords.

“Remember, no legitimate company or government agency will request gif cards codes or cryptocurrency as payment.”

Police also highlighted, once again, the growing “grandparent scam” or ” emergency scam” phone scams.

In a typical scenario a victim, generally a senior or grandparent, will receive a call from a scammer pretending to be a family member who is in trouble and requires immediate financial aid.

For example, the caller will pretend to be a grandchild who was recently involved in a car accident, or arrested and needs money immediately.

Variations on the scam can include friends of the family, old neighbours or friends, but phone calls predominantly involve an emergency situation and the need to transfer money immediately.

Police say these high-pressure tactics used by the scammers are used to prevent victims from verifying their story until after money has been transferred.

“Slow down any timeline and do your own research about the legitimacy of these types of calls,” reads the press release.

In general, police say a good rule is to always ask questions before transferring or investing money.

“A professional will have no problem answering your questions, showing credentials, and providing references to prove they are legitimate.

More information about Fraud Prevention Month in Canada can be found by visiting the anti-fraud centre’s website and by following the Medicine Hat Police Service on Facebook.

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