Halifax Police Charge Man for Scamming Seniors Out of Money

UPDATE: Halifax police have charged a man in connection with a disturbing scam targeting seniors. 25-year-old Tarun Verma was arrested last Friday and faces multiple charges for his alleged role in defrauding elderly residents.

Authorities report that between May and June 2026, officers were alerted to five separate incidents where scammers impersonated family members to extract money from vulnerable seniors. In each case, victims received calls from someone posing as a relative in urgent need of bail money, while another individual, pretending to be a law enforcement officer, provided instructions on how to send the cash.

Officials emphasize that in Canada, law enforcement and court personnel do not collect bail money directly, making these calls fraudulent attempts to exploit the elderly. The police are reminding the public to be vigilant against potential scams, particularly those that utilize phone number spoofing to appear legitimate.

The investigation remains active, and Verma appeared in provincial court on Monday to face the charges. Authorities stress the importance of reporting any suspicious communications. Victims of fraud are encouraged to contact local police or reach out to Crime Stoppers for assistance.

As this situation develops, police continue to warn individuals to exercise caution and remain skeptical of unsolicited calls or emails asking for money. The safety of the community is a priority, and law enforcement is committed to combating these deceitful tactics aimed at exploiting the most vulnerable.

Stay tuned for more updates as the investigation unfolds.