RCMP warn of scam asking victims to give police gold for ‘safekeeping’

Nova Scotia police are warning about a new scam where victims are allegedly deceived into purchasing gold and handing it to individuals posing as police officers. The Nova Scotia RCMP Commercial Crime Section reported one instance of this fraud in the province, noting that similar scams have been reported in other parts of Canada.

According to the RCMP, victims are contacted by scammers who pose as fraud department representatives from a major Canadian bank. They claim the victim's money is at risk from foreign hackers and instruct the victim to buy gold online from a legitimate dealer using their savings and investments. The scammers then meet with the victim, display fake police badges, and take the gold for safekeeping.

The RCMP emphasized that scammers will often use fake badges and lack proper police uniforms or marked vehicles. The organization reminded citizens that police do not accept gold or other valuables for safekeeping and that banks would never ask customers to withdraw funds from their accounts for such transactions. If someone receives a suspicious call from what they believe to be their bank, the RCMP advised hanging up immediately and contacting the local bank branch using the number on the back of the debit or credit card, or speaking to a trusted individual about the situation.