Ongoing fraud case finds 32 victims in Colchester County

Police believe there could be more people impacted by a door-to-door scam that saw thousands of dollars taken from unsuspecting victims.

RCMP said that they started an investigation into a man who is believed to have engaged in “high-pressure sale tactics” to convince people to pay for home security system monitoring and upgrades. Officials say people were convinced to make payments via cash, e-transfers or cheques and did not receive the goods or services they paid for.

They said in a press release that the case was launched in March with 15 victims identified. Since then, another 17 people came forward to say they were impacted.

This allowed the RCMP in Colchester County to resubmit fraud and possession of property obtained by crime charges laid against Brian Dethridge, 54, of Truro, to include 32 victims.

On June 3, RCMP were told the accused breached his conditions release by engaging in the sale of home security system monitoring and upgrades. The next day, police arrested Dethridge with failure to comply with undertaking (three counts), and he appeared in court, which imposed “strict” conditions on him.

“I commend these victims and others who’ve come forward to police because I know that victims of frauds can feel awkward or embarrassed and are hesitant to report their experience as a result,” says Cpl. Terry Brown, Community Action Team leader. “It’s important for victims to know, we will follow up on their report.”

Other scams in the province

Police are warning older adults in Halifax that there is an increase in a loved one scam in the region.

Officials said they have responded to a rise in fraud targeting seniors, with five reports in the past week. They are telling people that scammers want to build trust with them and then take advantage of the relationship.

In the recent incidents, a victim receives a call from someone pretending to be a family member, saying they have been arrested. In some cases, scammers have used artificial intelligence to clone the loved one’s voice.

A second person saying they are from the legal system is involved and tells the victim they need to pay money to have their loved one released from custody.

Police are asking people to not give any personal information during these situations.