FRAUD FRIDAY: Distraction fraud

July 25, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to raise awareness of fraud schemes and scams that target local residents.


Distraction fraud is a tactic used by scammers where they’ll identify targets about to use a debit or credit card, such as in a store making a purchase or at an ATM. It’s common for the scheme to have multiple individuals involved and to target elderly victims.


With this fraud, perpetrators will observe their targets entering the PIN of their debit or credit cards and may discretely use video recordings to detect the number.


Then, the perpetrators will distract the victim while the card is stolen. The card, with the PIN, is then quickly used to withdraw cash or make high-value purchases.


Anyone who has had a debit or credit card lost or stolen should contact their financial institution immediately to prevent someone else from being able to access funds.


The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by fraud.


Prevention is the best protection against fraud.


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

Police investigating human remains

May 22, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is currently investigating the discovery of a deceased person. Human remains were located today in the Thunder Centre area. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. There is no threat to public safety. A separate investigation which was reported yesterday regarding a police presence in the same area is ongoing. A visible police presence continues and members of the public are asked to avoid the area. No further information is available at this time. Updates may be provided when they become available.

Police presence expected in Intercity area

May 21, 2026
A visible police presence is expected in the Fort William Road and Isabel Street area. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area around 4:30 PM on May 21, 2026, in response to a call for service. There is no threat to public safety. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area. No further information is available at this time.

Investigation into distribution of private images without consent and harassment leads to charges

May 20, 2026
TB26016170 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. The investigation began in May, in response to a report regarding the distribution of private images without consent, and harassment. As a result of the investigation, 36-year-old Kirsty LENNOX from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Distribute intimate image without consent (three counts) • Criminal harassment – repeatedly communicate (two counts) The accused was released from custody with a future court date. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.