**** HRP Media Release
Police charge man in relation to multiple recent fraud investigations
Police have charged a man in relation to multiple fraud investigations that occurred in the region last month.
Between November 29 and December 2, Halifax Regional Police and Halifax District RCMP received a number of reports in relation to similar frauds. The victims are contacted by fraudsters pretending to be a relative in need of money as the family member had been arrested and required bail. The call was then usually taken over by another person pretending to be in a position of authority, such as a police officer or a lawyer, instructing the victim to provide this bail. The fraudsters then sent a ‘bail bondsman’ to the victim’s address to collect the cash or ask that it be sent by courier.
Yesterday members of the Financial Crime Unit of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division, assisted by members of the Codiac Regional RCMP, arrested a man in Moncton, New Brunswick, in relation to these investigations. The suspect was brought back to Halifax.
Omar Zanfi, 24, is scheduled to appear in Halifax provincial court today to face charges of:
- Fraud over $5,000 (x 4)
- Fraud under $5,000 (x 2)
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (x 4)
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (x 2)
- Participating in a criminal organization
The investigations into these incidents and police are asking the public to call police at 902-490-5016 if you have information in relation to these incidents, to report that you have lost money or your identity has been compromised as the result of a scam.
Police remind people to be suspicious of any emails or calls asking for money and to make sure the caller is legitimate before sending any money. You should also not give personal information to anyone, whether solicitation occurs by email, telephone or in person, unless you have initiated the contact or you are certain of the identification of the individual and the legitimacy of the organization they claim to represent. A reminder that police and government organizations will not go to your door to request money.
You can report a scam where you haven’t been a victim to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, or through the RCMP’s online reporting system or call 1.888.495.8501.
More information and scam prevention tips are available at:
