Posted:
Halifax Regional Police is issuing a warning about fraudsters contacting residents and presenting themselves as police officers.
Over the last week, Halifax Regional Police and Cape Breton Regional Police have received complaints from citizens about phone calls that appeared to have originated from Halifax Regional Police. The complainants reported receiving phone calls from an individual claiming to be a police officer who advised them that their credit cards were compromised and asking them to confirm their credit card numbers. These calls are fraudulent in nature and did not come from Halifax Regional Police. Please note:
- The non-emergency reporting line, (902) 490-5016, will never appear on your call display. Calls from Halifax Regional Police will show up as a blocked number.
- Halifax Regional Police will never ask you for your credit card information over the phone.
- If you do not believe that the person you are speaking with is a police officer, hang up and call 490-5016.
- Never give your credit card or personal information over the phone.
This type of scam, which involves a caller attempting to elicit financial and/or personal information, is referred to as vishing. Vishing scam artists want this information so they can gain access to your credit cards and/or bank accounts.
Anyone who has been a victim of such a scam is encouraged to report it to the HRP/RCMP Integrated Financial Crime Unit at 490-1985 or online at https://www.halifax.ca/fire-police/police/reporting-crime.