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

October 2026

October 9, 2026
Above: In September, the Thunder Bay Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced that joint marine patrols are underway in the Thunder Bay area.

Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit school zone patrol leads to charges

October 8, 2026
TB26040506 A Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit patrol has resulted in a stunt driving charge. On October 7, 2026, an officer was driving in the Rosslyn Road area around 2:30 PM when they located a vehicle travelling 89km per hour in a 40km per hour school zone. The driver was stopped and was charged with: • Speeding (HTA) • Stunt Driving (HTA) The driver is facing a 30-day licence suspension, and their vehicle has been impounded for 14 days. Drivers are reminded to adhere to posted speed limits in school zones and community safety zones. Reduced speeds are in place to protect children who may be walking, cycling, or crossing the roadway during peak travel periods. The Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit remains committed to public safety and will continue proactive enforcement to ensure the protection of students, families, and all road users.

Police presence expected on Thunder Bay’s south end

October 8, 2026
A visible police presence is expected in the area of the 600 block of Victoria Avenue East. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area on October 5, 2026, in response to a call for service. The investigation remains ongoing. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as they become available.