Halifax police warn seniors to beware of scam claiming family member needs bail money
Paul Palmeter | CBC News | Posted: February 14, 2023 10:27 PM | Last Updated: February 14, 2023
Criminals are targeting older residents, police say
Halifax Regional Police are warning the public of a scam that's entrapping seniors.
"Individuals are reaching out, in this case to seniors, and letting them know that a loved one or family member or someone they know is in police custody," said Const. John MacLeod.
"What they're requesting is that they provide them cash or money so they can get that person released."
HRP and RCMP have released a photo of a suspect. He is a black man in his 20s or 30s with dark hair and glasses.
Investigators from the Financial Crime Unit of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division have received more than 44 reports over the last few months in relation to the scam.
Police believe the scammers have defrauded victims of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"Part of the ruse is that urgency comes into play so people aren't allowed time to think things through and verify everything they need to do," said MacLeod.
"They are sending an individual to some of the residences who is picking up the cash."
MacLeod says in two instances, suspects have claimed to be police officers.
Police are advising citizens they would never make that type of call.
"If you receive a call from someone representing themselves as a police officer and they request money for bail, it is a scam and you should not provide or confirm any personal or financial information and hang up the phone."
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