FRAUD FRIDAY: Cryptocurrency scams

July 11, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to raise public awareness of common types of scams that target local residents.


Police have recently received reports of local residents who have fallen victim to cryptocurrency fraud, including a case where one person lost more than $500,000.


Fraudsters may offer promises of substantial return on cryptocurrency investment, but will instead steal money and may also gain access to personal financial information. If an unknown person offers to assist with setting up a cryptocurrency account, this is a scam.


Once funds are transferred, it is highly unlikely that they will ever be recovered. Funds can quickly be transferred through multiple exchanges originating in several different countries and are extremely difficult for law enforcement to trace.


The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to do their due diligence before engaging in any cryptocurrency investment, including seeking credible financial advice and using reputable exchanges. Residents are also encouraged to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by this type of scam.


If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/)


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

August 12, 2026
Understanding Police Response Priorities In July, 4,856 calls were logged. Of those, 2,987 were priority 1, 2 or 3. Every call for service is important, but not every call requires the same level of response. Calls are assigned a priority level from 1 to 9 based on the information available at the time, and that priority can change as new information is received. Priority 1 to 3 calls involve an immediate threat to life, serious injury, or public safety and require an urgent police response. Priority 4 to 6 calls require police attention but do not involve an immediate risk of harm. Priority 7 to 9 calls can often be resolved over the phone or through alternative reporting options. Some examples of the priority 1-3 calls received in July are: · Assault · Intimate Partner Violence · Mental Health Act · Robbery · Weapons · Break & Enter · Motor Vehicle Collision · Unwanted Person · Disturb the Peace · Person Welfare Check · Suspicious Person · Ambulance Assist · Theft · Animal Cruelty The volume and urgency of these calls highlight the important work of our primary response officers, who respond with professionalism and compassion to keep our community safe.  Did you Know? A Motor Vehicle Collision may be classified between priority 1 and 7. In general, a collision involving serious injuries, a fatality, criminal behaviour, or a significant public safety hazard will receive a higher-priority response than a minor property-damage collision where vehicles are safely off the roadway and no offences are apparent.
August 12, 2026
TB26031866 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to charges. On August 11, 2026, Intelligence Unit officers executed a search warrant at a home on Limbrick Street. Information received from the community played an important role in advancing the investigation. During the search suspected illegal drugs including methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl were seized, along with cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking. As a result of the investigation 44-year-old Jeffrey MCCARTHY of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Possession for purpose of trafficking cocaine · Possession for purpose of trafficking fentanyl · Possession for purpose of trafficking methamphetamine · Proceeds of crime under $5,000 · Breach of Release Order Total street value of drugs seized is roughly $36,500. The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.