Police across Nova Scotia warn of scam targeting seniors
Halifax Regional Police have issued a warning about a scam that is targeting senior citizens in the area. This scam has resulted in multiple reported incidents, prompting the police to urge the public to be cautious of any calls or emails requesting money. They are also seeking assistance in identifying a suspect involved in several fraudulent activities in Halifax.
The scam involves a phone call to the victim from someone pretending to be a family member who has been arrested and needs bail money. The victim is then transferred to another individual claiming to be part of the legal system, who informs them that they need to pay to secure the release of their relative from prison. In all recent cases, the suspect arranged to pick up the money in person either at the victim’s residence or in a public place.
To combat this scam, the HRP advises individuals who receive such calls to immediately hang up and refrain from providing any financial or personal information. They have released a photo of the suspect, describing him as a male aged between 30-40 years, wearing all black clothing, including a black medical mask and glasses. The suspect has short black hair that appears to be shaved or partially faded on the sides and may be driving a white SUV.
A similar warning about this scam was shared on Facebook by the Truro Police Service. The RCMP has also received reports of the scam from various locations including Stellarton, Pictou, Colchester County, and the Halifax Regional Municipality. In a previous incident in 2023, a Nova Scotia couple fell victim to a “grandparent scam” and lost $22,000.
Individuals who believe they have been targeted by this scam are encouraged to contact the police for assistance. It is essential to remain vigilant and cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or emails requesting money, especially from unknown sources. By staying informed and alert, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
