Beware of scammers posing as family members

The RCMP is issuing a public warning following complaints of a familiar scam that has resurfaced in a part of the province.

On Feb. 6, Lunenburg County RCMP received two complaints from people who received calls from people pretending to be family members. The caller stated they had been involved in an accident or collision and suffered facial injuries. This is said to cover any change noticed in the person’s voice. The caller then says they are in jail and asks for money to be sent to an account for bail.

The scam may also involve someone posing as a legal representative who requests money for a similar situation.

The calls may seem legitimate as the caller seems to know personal details such as name, age, address and family relationship.

The investigation into these calls is ongoing.

The RCMP want to remind people that if they receive a call of this nature that they should not send any money but instead take steps to contact that family member themselves in order to confirm their whereabouts.

The RCMP also asks anyone receiving this type of call, or has information regarding the person(s) making these calls, to report it to their local RCMP or police department, especially if the suspected “scammer” is providing phone numbers or other information that can be pursued by police.

You can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222TIPS (8477) and report frauds to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 888495-8501, or http://www.antifraud centre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng. htm.