District RCMP fraud investigation identifies 32 victims
June 12, 2025, Colchester County, Nova
Scotia… Additional
victims come forward and more charges have been laid in Colchester County
District RCMP fraud investigation.In early March, Colchester County
District RCMP charged a man with Fraud Over $5000 and Possession of Property
Obtained by Crime Over $5000. The man is believed to engage in high-pressure
sale tactics to convince people to pay for home security system monitoring and
upgrades. Victims are convinced to make payments via cash, e-transfers, or
cheques, and do not receive the goods and services they paid
for.At that time, investigators had
identified 15 victims and believed there were others. On March 13 the Nova
Scotia RCMP published a news release about the incidents and resulting charges,
Ongoing fraud investigation results in charges by
Colchester County District RCMP | Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Between that date and May 6, an additional 17 victims came forward.
Investigators resubmitted the Fraud
and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime charges to include a total of 32
victims.On June 3, Colchester County District RCMP responded to a report that Brian Dethridge, 54, of Truro, breached his
release conditions by engaging in the sale of home security system monitoring
and upgrades. On June 4, Colchester County District RCMP arrested and charged Detheridge with Failure to Comply With Undertaking (three counts). He appeared in Truro Provincial Court and was released on strict conditions. I commend these victims and others
who’ve come forward to police because I know that victims of frauds can feel
awkward or embarrassed and are hesitant to report their experience as a result,”
says Cpl. Terry Brown, Community Action Team leader. “It’s important for victims
to know, we will follow up on their report.”Anyone who has been a victim of this
fraud and anyone who has information about it is asked to contact Colchester
County District RCMP at 902-893-6820, or the local police. To remain anonymous,
contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by
submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips
app.
For more information about common
frauds and how to protect yourself: Canadian Anti-Fraud
Centre.
File #s 2025-767494, 2025-585384,
2025-606928