Phone scams threatening newcomers and seniors, say Halifax police

Halifax Regional Police have issued a warning about two new telephone scams that appear totarget new immigrants and seniors.

In one scam, the caller says he or sheis anemployee of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and threatens to call the police and/or have a warrant issued if the person refuses to provide credit card information for payment of an outstanding income tax debt.

The second scam involvesa man whoidentifieshimself as a bank manager,contacts senior citizens by phone and advises them that there is a problem with their account, a police release said.

"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," saidthe release.

Don't give financial information to callers

Police say the calls are not legitimate and recommend that if people receive a call from the scammers, they should hang up and contact police, their bank and CRA.

Financial crime investigators say to be suspicious of anyone calling and asking for money or credit card information.

Victims of these scams shouldcontactthe financial crime unit at902-490-5020, police said.