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Halifax police issue warning about telephone scam involving urgent request for bail

HALIFAX — Police in Halifax are warning the public about a telephone scam that involves fraudsters persuading seniors that a relative is in trouble and urgently needs money.
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Suspects wanted in an ongoing scam are shown in this recent police handout photo. Police in Halifax are warning the public about a telephone scam that involves fraudsters persuading seniors that a relative is in trouble and needs money fast. The Mounties and Halifax Regional Police say they are aware of several recent cases where seniors were duped into handing over between $5,000 and $10,000. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Nova Scotia RCMP

HALIFAX — Police in Halifax are warning the public about a telephone scam that involves fraudsters persuading seniors that a relative is in trouble and urgently needs money.

The Mounties and Halifax Regional Police say they are aware of several recent cases where seniors were duped into handing over between $5,000 and $10,000.

Police also released a photo of two alleged scammers recorded on a home surveillance camera, as well as an image of their vehicle — a black, 2019 Toyota Corolla.

The police say victims are typically contacted by a scammer who pretends to be a relative trying to help a family member who has been arrested and requires bail.

The call is then usually taken over by another person pretending to be in a position of authority, such as a police officer or a lawyer.

The victim is then told a "bail bondsman" will be dispatched to their home to pick up the cash.

"Police want to highlight that authorities in sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ do not solicit release of someone for money," the statement says. "Authorities in sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ do not come to your door for cash."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 1, 2022.

The Canadian Press