TL;DR: Halifax Regional RCMP said on March 18, 2026 that a Middle Sackville resident lost about $300,000 on March 4 to a Facebook romance scam. The victim formed a relationship with someone who said they were struggling financially, then claimed a family member was seriously ill with costly medical bills. The release lists five other unrelated scams that week.
What happened
The Nova Scotia RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment issued a release on March 18, 2026 covering incidents from March 4 to 14. On March 4, a Middle Sackville victim lost about $300,000 on Facebook. The victim formed a personal relationship with someone who said they were struggling financially. The scammer then claimed a family member was seriously ill with costly medical bills and asked for money. The release does not say how long the relationship lasted or how the money was sent.
Other scams in the same week
Police do not believe these incidents are connected and the investigations are ongoing:
- March 5, Lakeside: about $25,000 after a Facebook ad featuring a public figure promoting gold investments.
- March 10, Head of Chezzetcook: two $5,000 transfers to a caller posing as a bank's fraud department.
- March 13, Eastern Passage: about $8,000 after an online investment contact had the victim share their screen and open online banking.
- March 14, Fall River: $7,000 sent in three e-transfers to a caller pretending to be the victim's son.
Why medical bills work as a script
A sick relative gives the scammer a reason to ask, a reason for urgency, and a reason you will feel guilty saying no. Repeated emergencies are a common thread in romance scam red flags and in cases like the Toronto crypto romance scam.
RCMP advice
- Do not be pressured into acting quickly, especially when requests play on your emotions.
- Verify the person or organisation before acting, and check with other family members if someone claims to be in trouble.
- Be cautious of unsolicited calls asking for personal information.
- Watch for spoofed phone numbers and email addresses.
- Hang up if something seems wrong and verify later through a trusted number.
Report to RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment at 902-490-5020 and the CAFC. See our reporting guide and Interac e-Transfer scam guide. Check how visible you are with our free digital footprint check.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the victim lose?
About $300,000, according to the Nova Scotia RCMP release.
What story did the scammer tell?
That a family member was seriously ill with costly medical bills, after saying they were struggling financially.
Where did it happen?
Middle Sackville, N.S., on March 4, 2026, with contact on Facebook.
Where do I report it?
RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment at 902-490-5020 and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Sources
- RCMP Nova Scotia: Halifax Regional Detachment fraud release (Mar 18, 2026)
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)