Online Scammers Target Nova Scotia Minor Hockey and Crafting Communities
Fraudsters impersonating hockey organizations and crafting groups in Nova Scotia have attempted to collect fees for non-existent or unopened tournaments, prompting warnings from local associations and police.
Scammers have targeted the minor hockey community and the crafting sector in Nova Scotia by attempting to collect fraudulent registration fees. The schemes involved impersonating established organizations to solicit payments for tournaments that do not exist, are already full, or have not yet opened registration.
The Chebucto Minor Hockey Association (CMHA) was targeted through its Kyle Henneberry Memorial tournament. Fraudsters attempted to collect registration money before the event had officially opened for sign-ups. CMHA president Brian Esbaugh discovered the scam after being contacted about registration. He verified the situation with the tournament director, who confirmed that registration was not yet open. Registration for the legitimate Kyle Henneberry Memorial tournament costs $1,000.
CMHA registrar Alicia Pane stated that scammers are imitating organizations to sign people up for these invalid events. The East Hants Minor Hockey Association (EHMHA) acknowledged that it had inadvertently shared fraudulent information regarding the Kyle Henneberry tournament with its teams and issued an apology.
The Atlantic Hockey Group (AHG) also warned that unauthorized emails were circulating from info.atlantichockeygroup@gmail.com promoting registration for its 2026 Tournament of the Rings.
Beyond hockey, Craft Nova Scotia issued an alert warning members and vendors about scams targeting the arts community. The organization noted that it never asks for upfront payments or refundable booth fee insurance via Gmail.
Halifax Regional Police advised the public to be suspicious of unsolicited requests for money and to verify identities before providing personal information or funds. Residents can contact Halifax Regional Police at 902-490-5020. Organizations including Hockey Nova Scotia and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre are also part of the broader landscape addressing fraud risks in Canada.