Police say they are investigating a swatting call in Lower Truro, N.S., that was made by attempted fraudsters Friday morning. The RCMP says a woman reported to police she was being held hostage by three armed people at a home on Tideview Drive. Officers with the RCMP and Truro Police Service officers responded and found the woman safe at the home. Police say the incident stemmed from a fraud attempt. The woman reportedly received a call from someone claiming to be from her bank’s fraud department about alleged fraud activity and she was instructed to download an app on her phone. She then spoke with a friend who told her to talk to her bank directly. Police say when the caller realized the woman was not complying with their instructions, they became agitated, called her back and said there was a surprise waiting for her at her door. The woman then saw a large police presence when she looked outside. Staff Sgt. Marc Rose, with Colchester County District RCMP, says the incident highlights how far scammers are willing to go. “By falsely reporting an armed hostage situation, they caused a significant deployment of police resources for an event that never occurred,” he said in a news release. “We commend the victim for taking the time to verify the information she received and encourage others to do the same when contacted about suspected fraud.” The RCMP says anyone who has been a victim of fraud should call police. More information about common frauds and how to protect yourself can be found on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
