Published Aug 25, 20261 minute readVictoria County District RCMP are investigating a report of a person in medical distress that appears to be a scam. FILE PHOTOArticle contentA report of a medical emergency on a trail in the Ingonish area is being investigated by Nova Scotia RCMP as a scam.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentIn a release, Victoria County District RCMP said they the believed fake medical emergency report could be a type of ‘swatting’; when a person reports a false emergency to get a significant response from police and other first responders.Article contentArticle contentTuesday afternoon, someone contacted 211 through text to report being in medical distress and needing help on one of the trails around Ingonish beach.Article contentArticle contentRCMP said they recieved the third-party report of the alleged emergency around 3:45 p.m. on Aug. 24 and responded to search the area. Along with police, Emergency Health Services, Parks Canada and fire services responded to immediately start searching for the person in distress.Article contentAfter serveral hours, police called off the search. There was no futher communication from the person who alleged they were in distress. Police also said there was no evidence in the area around Ingonish Beach which suggested there was someone in need of medical help.Article contentThus, Victoria County District RCMP officers believe the first texts alleging to be a person in distress were a scam and are investigating.Article contentRCMP said they appreciate the support from the reponding departments and people in police’s search efforts.Article contentInformation on fraud and scams is available through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.Article content
Fake emergency report investigation opened by Cape Breton police
