**** HRP Media Release
Update: Police continue to advise citizens of recurring scam targeting seniors
Police are asking for the public’s assistance identifying the man in the attached photo. He is a suspect in at least five incidents where money was picked up in person. Anyone with information about his identity or his whereabouts is urged to contact Halifax Regional Police or Crime Stoppers.
Original release below
Police are advising citizens to be cautious of a scam that targets seniors that is continuing to occur throughout our region.
Halifax Regional Police continue to receive reports in relation to a scam intended to defraud seniors of their money. In each incident, the victim received a call from someone pretending to be a family member who indicated that they have been arrested and are in jail. Another person representing themselves to be from the legal system becomes involved in the call and informs the victim that they need to pay money to have their loved one released from custody. In one case, a suspect made arrangements to pick up the money in person.
Don’t be pressured to act immediately. Scammers try to create a sense of urgency so you will take immediate action and don’t have time to think the situation through or consult someone else.
If you receive a call like this, do not provide or confirm any personal or financial information and hang up the phone. In Canada, law enforcement and court officials will not attend a residence to collect money in relation to bail.
Police remind people to be suspicious of any emails or calls asking for money and to make sure the person is legitimate before providing any money. Scammers can spoof phone numbers and make it appear as though they’re calling from a trusted source. You should not give personal information to anyone, whether solicitation occurs by email, telephone or in person, unless you are certain of the identity of the individual and/or the legitimacy of the organization they claim to represent.
Police are asking the public to share this information broadly, particularly with seniors, to help raise awareness of this scam.
Call police at 902-490-5020 if you’ve lost money or your identity has been compromised as the result of a scam. You can report a scam where you haven’t been a victim to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, or call 1-888-495-8501.
For more information and scam prevention tips, visit:
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
• Halifax Regional Police fraud prevention
