Dartmouth man targeted by phone scam, accused of being a terror threat

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HALIFAX — A Dartmouth man says he was the target of a phone scam aimed at trying to frighten immigrants into divulging their personal information.

The scammer(s) are identifying themselves as federal government representatives, threatening to deport unsuspecting call recipients unless they hand over their information.

Ibrahim Manna is a Canadian citizen who immigrated from Jordan in 1995. He says his wife received a call this morning from a man demanding their full names, social insurance numbers and passport information.

Manna says his wife became scared, and gave the scammer his number. He was contacted shortly after and told he was on the federal government’s terrorism list and said they were going to deport him out of the country unless he cooperated.

“As soon as they told me I was a terrorist, and they were looking at my file and they needed to confirm who I am, they said ‘you’ve got two minutes to tell us your information, we’ve got a cop on their way to come and grab you,’ that really scared me,” said Manna.

He says the phone call lasted about ten minutes and the scammer became agitated once he realized he wasn’t going to give out his personal information.

He says he feels the scammers tried to take advantage of him and his wife during a time when minorities are being targeted.

“As for me being here for 22 years, I’m looking behind my back right now because of all the stuff that’s been going on,” said Manna.

“Everyone’s being brushed with the same brush at the end of the day. Thank God, here in Canada it’s not to that extent but think in other parts of the world, it’s really getting ridiculous.”

Manna says he’s been in touch with Crime Stoppers and an investigation is underway.

If you receive a similar call or have information related to this incident, anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or texting a tip – Tip 202 + your message to 274637.

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