As seniors in Halifax plan their next steps — whether it’s downsizing from a longtime family home, moving into a condo, or finding a cozy retirement community — it’s important to stay alert. Unfortunately, senior crime is a growing issue, and scammers often target older adults because they perceive them as more trusting or financially stable.
In fact, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, seniors in Canada lost more than $32 million to fraud in 2023 alone. Locally, Halifax Regional Police report that incidents of elder abuse and scams against seniors continue to rise, particularly involving phone and online fraud.
Here’s a guide to the 11 biggest scams you need to be aware of — and how to avoid becoming a victim.
Scam #1: The Grandparent Emergency Call
The Pitch:
You get a phone call from someone claiming to be your grandchild, saying they’re in trouble — jailed, injured, or stranded — and need money immediately.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Always verify by calling a family member directly.
- Never send money without confirming the story independently.
Scam #2: Fake Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Calls
The Pitch:
A caller threatens that you owe back taxes and that you’ll be arrested if you don’t pay immediately via wire transfer or gift cards.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Remember, the real CRA will never ask for payment by gift cards.
- Hang up and call CRA directly at their official number if unsure.
Scam #3: Home Repair Rip-Offs
The Pitch:
Someone knocks on your door offering quick “fixes” like roof repairs, paving, or tree trimming — often at a “special” senior discount — then disappears after taking a deposit.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Get multiple quotes and references before agreeing to work.
- Never pay in full up front.
Scam #4: Romance Scams
The Pitch:
You meet someone online who quickly declares love and then asks for money to deal with a personal “emergency.”
How to Protect Yourself:
- Be cautious with online relationships.
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
Scam #5: Investment Fraud
The Pitch:
You’re offered a “guaranteed” high-return investment, often involving crypto, real estate, or precious metals.
How to Protect Yourself:
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Always check with a trusted financial advisor before investing.
Scam #6: Prize and Lottery Scams
The Pitch:
You get a phone call, email, or letter saying you’ve won a big prize — but you need to pay a fee or provide banking information to claim it.
How to Protect Yourself:
- You never have to pay money to claim a legitimate prize.
- Avoid giving out personal or financial information.
Scam #7: Tech Support Scams
The Pitch:
You receive a call or pop-up message saying your computer has a virus, and you need to pay for “tech support” to fix it.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Legitimate companies like Microsoft will not call you out of the blue.
- Never give remote access to your computer to an unsolicited caller.
Scam #8: Health Care and Insurance Scams
The Pitch:
Someone claims they can offer you cheaper or better health insurance, medications, or devices — often asking for personal health information or upfront payments.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Deal only with reputable, licensed providers.
- Guard your health card and insurance information.
Scam #9: Charity Scams
The Pitch:
Fraudsters pose as representatives of real or fake charities, especially after natural disasters or around holidays, pressuring you to donate immediately.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Research charities through official websites like CanadaHelps.org.
- Never give in to pressure to donate on the spot.
Scam #10: Rental and Moving Scams
The Pitch:
As seniors downsizing, some are targeted by fake landlords demanding deposits for properties that don’t exist, or by fraudulent movers who hike up fees on moving day.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Visit rental properties in person.
- Use reputable, local moving companies with good reviews.
Scam #11: Power of Attorney Abuse
The Pitch:
Sadly, even trusted individuals can misuse power of attorney privileges, draining bank accounts or selling property without consent.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Choose a trustworthy, transparent individual.
- Review your financial accounts regularly or appoint an independent monitor.
Protecting Seniors in Halifax Starts with Awareness
Staying informed is your best defence against becoming a victim of a senior scam. HalifaxSeniorLiving.ca is committed to helping seniors in Halifax move forward with confidence, whether you’re downsizing in Halifax or simply learning how to better protect your financial future.
Remember: never rush a decision. Always verify information through trusted channels. And if you believe you or someone you know has been targeted, report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and Halifax Regional Police immediately.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Downsizing Journey?
At HalifaxSeniorLiving.ca, we’re here to support you every step of the way, including protecting you from scams as you make important life changes.
Request your free copy of “8 Easy Tips for Downsizing Your Home” today!
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