Protecting Nova Scotian seniors from financial fraud: what you should know

Here’s the updated article with Nova Scotia–specific details integrated for stronger local context:

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How Nova Scotians can help protect seniors from financial fraud

Back in September, Haligonia reported that a Halifax man had been charged after defrauding several seniors through a renovation scam. Police said he took deposits for home repairs, asked for more money, and then vanished without completing the work. As the story noted, “the victims were left out thousands of dollars and without the repairs they had paid for.” (Read the full story here.)

That case mirrors what local authorities say is a growing concern across Nova Scotia. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) received nearly 110,000 fraud reports in 2024, totaling $638 million in losses, and many involved seniors. The Nova Scotia Seniors’ Secretariat has also warned that older residents in the province are frequent targets for mail, phone, and online scams—often because they live alone, have access to savings, and may be too polite or trusting to hang up on a caller.

In January 2025, Halifax Regional Police issued another warning after a wave of “grandparent scams” resurfaced in the region. Callers pretended to be relatives in jail and arranged to have couriers pick up cash directly from seniors’ homes. Police urged Nova Scotians to pause and confirm any such claims before sending money.

Friends, family, and neighbours can all play a role in helping seniors stay safe.

1. Talk about common scams

Explain how the grandparent and bank investigator scams work, and why scammers use urgency to pressure victims. Awareness is the strongest defense.

2. Help set up practical safeguards

Offer to assist seniors with text alerts, online banking, or reviewing statements regularly. Catching small irregularities early prevents bigger losses later.

3. Reinforce privacy habits

Remind them that no legitimate business or government office will ever demand financial details or immediate payments over the phone or by email.

4. Be someone they can call first

Fraud can be embarrassing, which keeps victims quiet. Let seniors know they can talk to you before sending money or sharing information.

Nova Scotians can learn more through the Nova Scotia Seniors’ Secretariat’s Preventing Financial Exploitation guide and report suspicious activity to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

Helping seniors stay informed, connected, and confident is one of the simplest ways to protect our communities from financial fraud.