HRP warn of two telephone scams

Investigators in the Integrated Financial Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigative Division are warning citizens about two recent telephone scams that appear to be targeting seniors and new immigrants.

In one of the scams a man identifying himself as a bank manager contacts senior citizens by phone and advises them that there is a problem with their account. The man then tells the person he is sending a cab to their home to pick them up and take them to the bank so they can have the issue corrected.

In the second scam, a person identifying themselves as an employee of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) threatens to call the police and/or have a warrant issued for their arrest if they refuse to provide credit card information for payment of outstanding income tax debt.

These calls are not legitimate. If you receive a call, hang-up and contact your bank, the CRA and the police.

Investigators remind citizens to be suspicious of anyone calling and asking for money or credit card information. Refrain from providing personal information, whether the solicitation occurs by telephone, email or in person, unless you have initiated the contact or you are certain of the identification of the person and the legitimacy of the organization they claim to represent. Providing personal information such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and date of birth could lead to identity theft.

If you have been the victim of a scam, you should report the matter to police by contacting the Financial Crime Unit at 902-490-5020.

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Source: Media Release