News
RCMP In Nova Scotia Issue Warning
Of Many New Fraud Schemes
(Source: RCMP/Social Media/Media Release)
Below are highlights from March 18th news release.
On March 4th, authorities discovered that a resident of Middle Sackville had lost approximately $300,000 after forming a personal connection with an individual on Facebook who claimed to be experiencing financial difficulties. The scammer gained the victim's trust and used a narrative of an ailing family member with substantial medical expenses to solicit funds.
On March 5th, authorities discovered that a Lakeside resident had lost approximately $25,000 after responding to a Facebook investment advertisement. The ad featured a prominent public figure endorsing a gold investment opportunity. The victim transmitted funds to the company, only to later realize it was a fraudulent scheme. When the victim ceased communication, the company became aggressive and coerced them into providing additional funds.
On March 10th, RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment received a report of a telephone scam involving a resident of Head of Chezzetcook. An investigation revealed that the victim was contacted by someone claiming to represent the fraud department of a banking institution, alleging that their online account had been compromised. The caller persuaded the victim to send two $5,000 transfers to a new account, assuring them that the money would be returned within 24 hours. Upon failing to receive the refund, the victim contacted their bank and discovered that it was a scam.
On March 12th, the RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment responded to a report from a Beechville resident regarding fraudulent withdrawals exceeding $20,000 on their credit card statement.
On March 13th, law enforcement officials responded to a report of fraud in Eastern Passage, where a victim suffered losses of approximately $8,000 after being contacted online regarding an investment opportunity. After establishing trust with the victim, the scammer instructed them to participate in a Zoom call, share their screen, and access their online banking to create an additional account. During the screen-sharing session, the scammer added a fraudulent payee and transferred funds from the victim's account. The scammer subsequently reassured the victim that the funds would be returned in a larger payout, but the money was never returned.
On March 14th, the RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment responded to a report filed by a Fall River resident who was deceived into transferring $7,000 to a scammer claiming to be their son. The scammer made contact from an unknown number, alleged a debt repayment requirement, and manipulated the victim into sending three e-transfers to two email addresses. When the caller's demeanor turned threatening and they failed to answer a personal verification question, the victim contacted their son and confirmed the incident as a scam.
According to investigators, these scams are not believed to be connected; the investigations continue.
If you've been a victim of fraud or have information about suspicious activity, you have the power to make a difference. Contact RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment at 902-490-5020 or your local police to report the incident. To share information anonymously, reach out to Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app. For valuable resources on recognizing and preventing common frauds, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.
Liability for this article lies with the author, who also holds the copyright. Editorial content from USPA may be quoted on other websites as long as the quote comprises no more than 5% of the entire text, is marked as such and the source is named (via hyperlink).
