N.S. RCMP warns of increasing business email scams

A sign for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is pictured on June 23, 2025. (CTV Atlantic / Avery MacRae)

Nova Scotia RCMP is warning people of an increasing scam technique that has been seen across the province between March and October.

Police say they have seen an increase in business email compromise (BEC) scams where scammers impersonate legitimate businesses using a fake email to deceive clients into sending payments to fraudulent accounts.

“Scammers create a fake but convincing email address that looks very similar to a legitimate business email,” said Const. Karren Jensen in the Tuesday news release.

“The cyberattacker then sends an email to the businesses’ clients, indicating that the company’s banking information has changed. When the clients then go to pay their bills, they unknowingly deposit cash into the attacker’s bank account instead of the business’s.”

It is recommended by RCMP to protect against these scams by:

• Verifying all requests: Always double-check unusual or urgent requests for funds or sensitive information through a separate, trusted channel, such as a phone call to a known number.
• Being wary of lookalike domains: Be cautious of slight variations in email addresses.
• Implementing security measures: Use multi-factor authentication and other security solutions to help catch fake emails.
• Being educated: Know how to recognize the signs of BECs and what to do after receiving a suspicious email.
• Reporting the crime: If your business is a victim, report it immediately to your financial institution and your local police.  

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page