FRAUD FRIDAY: Compromised bank card scam

June 13, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public of a fraud scheme that has been frequently reported across the country.


Residents will receive a phone call from a scammer claiming to be bank fraud investigators. The scammers then attempt to have the resident provide them with personal information, including account details and PIN numbers.


The resident is told that their card has been compromised and that a "courier" will come to collect their cards.


A scammer then attends the residence, collects their bank card, and uses it to make fraudulent purchases or cash withdrawals.


Legitimate fraud investigators will never ask an individual who may be the victim of fraud to provide their PIN number over the phone. They will also never attend a personal residence to take possession of bank or credit cards.


Police urge family members and friends to speak to those who may be vulnerable to being targeted by scams.


It's rare that funds are recovered or reimbursed after being lost in a fraud scheme.


For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm


To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime

October 30, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is warning residents after receiving a report regarding a scam in which individuals are contacted by someone claiming to be from their cell service provider. The caller may offer a phone upgrade, loyalty discount, or other promotional deal.  Using personal or account information, the scammer then orders a device through a legitimate service provider. The scammer may already possess some of the victim's personal information before making contact. After the device arrives, the victim may receive another call from someone claiming to represent the service provider. In some cases, the scammers rely on the victim contacting them directly about the unexpected shipment. In some instances, multiple devices may be shipped to the victim's address. When victims inquire about the unexpected shipment, scammers may provide a fraudulent return address or send a prepaid shipping label. The package is then redirected to an address controlled by the scammer rather than the legitimate company. Prevention Tips: · Avoid purchasing products through unsolicited phone calls. Contact the company directly to verify any offers. · Do not use unexpected return labels without confirming they are legitimate. · Contact your provider directly regarding deals. Use the official phone number on the company’s website to verify any return request. · Check your account. Review your account through the provider’s official app or website for unfamiliar orders or changes. For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime
October 28, 2026
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