2 people face 189 charges after Calgary Costco stores defrauded of at least $30K

Calgary police have charged two people with a total of 189 offenses in connection with a scheme that defrauded several Costco stores of at least $30,000. The fraudulent activity spanned roughly three months earlier this year.

The investigation began in April when authorities received reports of a woman making fraudulent purchases. Police determined that between early April and late June 2026, the woman repeatedly used incorrect or altered Universal Product Codes (UPCs) for lower-priced items. This allowed her to acquire high-value electronics, including computers, televisions, gaming consoles, and sound systems.

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Police began investigating and determined that between Thursday, April 9 and Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the woman had repeatedly used fraudulent or altered UPC codes assigned to lower cost items to obtain high-value electronics including desktop computers, TVs, gaming consoles and sound equipment.

Authorities believe an unknown man also partnered with the woman in conducting these fraudulent transactions. During a search warrant execution on August 1, police arrested two individuals and recovered numerous items. Among the seized items were 302.4 grams of suspected methamphetamine and equipment used for manufacturing credit cards.

The suspects face a multitude of charges, including counts for possession of identity documents, possession of stolen credit cards, possession of property obtained by crime, possession for the purposes of trafficking, possession of instruments for copying credit card data, and possession of stolen property. The investigation is ongoing.

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It is believed an unknown man also participated in making fraudulent transactions with the woman.