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

September 23, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service and Thunder Bay Police Association invite members of the community to attend the Police and Peace Officers Memorial Service: Sunday, September 28, 2025 10:30 am Lakehead University Faculty Lounge Please join us in memory and in honour of all police and peace officers who have given their lives in service across Canada. Everyone is welcome. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice made in line of duty by Thunder Bay Police Service Constable John Kusznier and the contributions and tragic loss of Constable Joe Prevett. We remember Constable Craig Town, who survived a serious gunshot injury sustained in the line of duty in 1991, and passed away in 2023. At the National Memorial Service in Ottawa, Constable Town will be honoured. Our service will include a livestream of the National Memorial Service in Ottawa so we may bear virtual witness as he is honoured. 10:30 am – Form Up 10:45 am – Local Service begins 11:00 am – Livestream of National Service begins Please note: Access parking from the Balmoral Street Entrance. Park in Lots G 14 and 13. Parking is free on Sunday. Follow signs to the Faculty Lounge.
September 23, 2025
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September 23, 2025
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