Police warn of business scam in Colchester area

HALIFAX – A Nova Scotia business has been defrauded of a significant amount of money.

Colchester RCMP said they are investigating a complaint from a local business which was defrauded a significant amount of money over the telephone.

Police said the business owner reported receiving a call from a person claiming to be a representative of Nova Scotia Power yesterday.

The caller said they were sending a Nova Scotia Power disconnect team to the victim’s business because of an overdue power bill. The caller told the victim that the only way to stop the disconnect was to pay a percentage of the owed bill.

RCMP said the caller then told the victim to purchase a pre-paid credit card for a specified amount, and requested they call back and provide the authorization code which would then cancel the planned disconnect. Police would not say how much money the business was defrauded.

Investigators warn that phone scams continue to become more elaborate in order to convince the public of their authenticity. Other phone scams may tell you that you have won a lottery, or a tropical vacation, but then require you to send cash or a money order before collecting your prize.

“We are asking citizens to treat all unsolicited phone calls from individuals and companies asking for money as suspicious,” said Cpl. David Simpson, Colchester County R.C.M.P., in a media release. “Criminals will use reputable company names to earn your trust and then use that to commit a fraud against you.”

“Personal or financial information should never be given out over the phone,” Cpl Simpson said. “Do not send cash or money orders and if you suspect something is not quite right, hang up immediately and either contact your local police department or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.”