Halifax police warn residents of scam targeting seniors

Police are warning residents of a scam circulating around the region which targets seniors.

Both HRP and RCMP have received multiple reports this week about incidents where a victim gets a call from someone pretending to be a family member who say they’ve been arrested.

On that same call, another person gets involved, saying they are with the legal system and informs the victim they need to bail out their loved one.

Police say in one case, a suspect made arrangements to pick up the money in person.

According to police, in Canada, law enforcement and court officials will not attend a residence to collect money in relation to bail.

HRP are now warning residents who receive a call like this to not provide or confirm any personal or financial information and to hang up the phone, immediately.

Police are reminding people to be suspicious of any emails or calls asking for money, adding scammers can spoof phone numbers and make it appear they’re calling from a trusted source.

Anyone who has fallen victim to a scam is asked to call police at 902-490-5020.

People who have not fallen victim but are aware of a scam can report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501.