Fraud Friday: Fraudsters impersonating Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, Thunder Bay Country Market, and any locations offering booth rentals

July 10, 2026

The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) has received a report from the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) regarding an unknown individual or individuals who are contacting members of the public and potential vendors regarding participation in the CLE Annual Family Fair 2026.


TBPS has received similar reports regarding the Thunder Bay Country Market.


The individual(s) are representing themselves as being affiliated with the CLE and market and are requesting that interested vendors complete application forms, provide personal and business information, and submit payments to reserve vendor spaces for the event.


These communications are not authorized.


The person or persons involved do not represent these businesses in any capacity.


The unauthorized use of the business names and branding has the potential to mislead vendors, obtain personal information under false pretenses, and collect fraudulent payments from prospective exhibitors.


EMAIL USED BY SCAMMERS:


Dear Vendor,


We are pleased to invite you to apply as a vendor for the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) 2026, taking place from August 5-9, 2026 at the CLE Grounds in Thunder Bay, Ontario.


The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition is one of Northwestern Ontario's largest annual fairs, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The event features a wide range of attractions including midway rides, live entertainment, food vendors, artisan markets, agricultural exhibits, and family activities, making it an excellent opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services.


We are currently accepting applications from food vendors, food trucks, artisans, retail businesses, commercial exhibitors, and service providers for the 2026 event.


To apply, please complete the official vendor application form below: Apply Here: CLE 2026 Vendor Application Form Important Information:


Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance


All applications are reviewed by the CLE vendor committee


Approved vendors will receive confirmation and payment instructions


Space is limited and early applications are strongly encouraged


All vendors must comply with event rules, health regulations, and safety requirements


We look forward to reviewing your application and hopefully welcoming you as part of CLE 2026. Warm regards,


Vendor Coordination Team Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) Thunder Bay, Ontario.



ADDITIONAL EMAIL USED BY SCAMMERS:


Dear Vendor,


We are pleased to invite applications for the Thunder Bay Country Market, one of Northwestern Ontario's premier year-round public markets, attracting thousands of local residents and visitors throughout the holiday season.


Venue

Thunder Bay Country Market Dove Building, CLE Grounds

425 Northern Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada Market Days


Every Wednesday: 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Every Saturday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM 


December Market Dates


Please select your preferred dates:

Wednesday, December 2

Saturday, December 5

Wednesday, December 9

Saturday, December 12

Wednesday, December 16

Saturday, December 19

Wednesday, December 23

Saturday, December 26

Wednesday, December 30 


Available Booth Sizes & Fees Artisan & Non-Food Vendors

6 ft Table Space - CAD $45

8 ft × 8 ft Booth - CAD $75

10 ft × 10 ft Booth - CAD $120

10 ft × 15 ft Booth - CAD $165

10 ft × 20 ft Booth - CAD $220

20 ft × 20 ft Premium Booth - CAD $380


Food Vendors

10 ft × 10 ft Booth - CAD $150

10 ft × 15 ft Booth - CAD $210

10 ft × 20 ft Booth - CAD $270

20 ft × 20 ft Food Court Space - CAD $420


Farm & Fresh Produce Vendors

8 ft × 8 ft Booth - CAD $65

10 ft × 10 ft Booth - CAD $95

10 ft × 20 ft Booth - CAD $180 Food Truck Vendors

Small Food Truck Space (Up to 20 ft) - CAD $300

Standard Food Truck Space (21-30 ft) - CAD $375

Large Food Truck Space (Over 30 ft) - CAD $450 Optional Add-Ons

Electricity (120V) - CAD $25

Premium Corner Booth - CAD $40

Extra Table - CAD $15

Extra Chair - CAD $5


Vendor Application Requirements

To be considered, please send the following information:


Business/Brand Name

Owner's Full Name

Products or services you will be offering

Preferred booth size

Preferred market date(s)

Business address

Contact phone number

Email address

Website or social media pages (if available)

3-5 clear photos of your products and booth setup

Copies of any required business licences, food permits, or insurance (where applicable)


All vendor applications are subject to review and approval to maintain a diverse, high-quality marketplace.


Please Note: December is the busiest and most competitive period of the year at the Thunder Bay Country Market. Booth spaces are in high demand due to the holiday shopping season. We strongly encourage vendors to submit their applications as early as possible, as spaces are allocated on a first-approved, first-served basis and some product categories may fill quickly.


Approved vendors will receive an official confirmation, invoice, and payment instructions to secure their booth.

We look forward to welcoming your business to this exciting holiday market and wish you the very best with your application.


Kind regards,


Julia miles


Director


Vendor Coordination Team


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


Thunder Bay Police Service announces the results of Project Support

September 8, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Operational Support Unit Project has resulted in hundreds of social service referrals and dozens of arrests.  Project Support launched on April 20, 2026, as a focused public-safety and community-support initiative in Thunder Bay’s north and south downtown cores. The initiative combined high-visibility foot and vehicle patrols, proactive engagement, lawful enforcement, business outreach, and social service referrals. As the project progressed, TBPS broadened the deployment in response to recurring calls for service at other high-activity commercial locations. Additional resources were assigned to Memorial Avenue and Dawson Road areas beginning on July 9, 2026. The expanded response utilized personnel and expertise from across the Thunder Bay Police Service. In addition to the officers assigned directly to Project Support from Community Service and the Emergency Task Unit, the Project included support from Primary Response, the Break, Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit, Investigative Services and Special Constable deployments. This coordinated model increased officer visibility, supported investigations and warrant enforcement, and allowed officers to respond quickly to emerging problems across the expanded Project area. During the course of Project Support TBPS recorded: · More than 9,100 engagements with businesses and the public · 343 service referrals offered · 89 service referrals were accepted · 78 arrests were made · 74 provincial offence notices were issued Project Support used a balanced approach: visible policing and proportionate enforcement were paired with voluntary referrals, wellness checks, medical assistance and direct engagement with community partners. As a pilot, Project Support has concluded. However, based on the outcomes of the pilot project, visible patrols will continue in Thunder Bay’s commercial areas. The final activity results demonstrate sustained proactive policing across the original downtown zones and the expanded Thunder Centre and Dawson Road deployments. The addition of resources from Primary Response, BEAR, Investigative Services and Special Constable deployments allowed the Service to respond directly to business and community concerns.

Cyber Crime Unit investigation leads to child luring charges

September 3, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in July 2026 after officers received a report about a resident luring a minor. On July 28, 2026, officers seized an electronic device as part of the investigation. On September 2, 2026, a suspect turned themselves in to the Thunder Bay Police Service Station. As a result of the investigation, 26-year-old Syed Shayan MUNAWAR of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Luring a person under 18 years of age by means of telecommunication • Make sexually explicit material available to a person under 18 years of age • Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . The Thunder Bay Police Service recognizes that parents and caregivers are the frontline when it comes to protecting children on the Internet and electronic devices. We encourage you to remain vigilant in your efforts – the safety tips outlined below are recommended for children of any age. Reporting of any online exploitation can also be made at Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at cybertip.ca. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. There are also resources available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for those who have a sexual interest in children. The new Talking for Change ( https://talkingforchange.ca/ ) program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides national and all-ages help for those concerned about their risk to use child sexual exploitation material or offend sexually against a child.

Fraud Friday: AI generated scam videos

August 28, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is reminding residents to be cautious when viewing online videos and advertisements that promote investment opportunities, cryptocurrency purchases, or quick‑profit schemes. TBPS has received reports regarding this type of scam before. This advisory is being shared to help the public recognize the potential risk and take precautions. Fraudsters are increasingly using AI‑generated videos to make their scams appear legitimate. These videos may feature fabricated spokespeople, altered public figures, or realistic‑looking presenters encouraging viewers to invest or send money. AI‑generated content can be difficult to spot, but there are common red flags. Protect yourself: • Inconsistencies with speech and mouth movements, or a speaker who appears unnaturally still. • Inconsistencies in lighting. • Eyes that lack vibrancy or appear unnatural. • Blurred edges, angles, or facial features, including “face wobble.” • Unnatural eye direction or blinking. • Missing facial features or missing details in glasses, hair, or teeth. • Overly smooth skin. • Misalignment in facial symmetry or features that do not match (for example, ears that differ noticeably). Verify any offers by contacting the company directly using a trusted source of information. If a video or advertisement seems suspicious, do not engage with it. Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service.  If you have lost money or disclosed personal or financial information, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm ).