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