FRAUD FRIDAY: Gift card payment scam

June 27, 2025

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


Police routinely receive reports from residents who have received phone calls where the callers demand payment in the form of gift cards.


These are scam calls. No legitimate financial agency, institution, government department, or court would ever demand or accept gift cards as an appropriate form of payment.


Once transferred, the gift cards are not able to be tracked. It is extremely rare for lost funds to be reclaimed or reimbursed.


The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit is urging family members and friends to speak to those who may be vulnerable to being targeted by this type of scam.


If there is concern but uncertainty about whether a phone call is a scam, please hang up and directly contact the institution or agency in question. Look up the contact numbers independently and never use the number provided by a potential fraudster or displayed on caller ID.


The Thunder Bay Police Service is unable to stop these calls from being made. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please 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

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.

Police locate and arrest assault suspect

October 8, 2026
TB26040420 One person faces multiple charges after attempting to flee arrest following an overnight assault. Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to an address in the area of Simpson and Bethune streets just after midnight on Wednesday, October 7, after receiving a report of an assault. Responding officers learned that two males became involved in a verbal altercation, which led to a physical assault. Officers located a male matching the suspect description in the area of May and Donald streets about 45 minutes later. The suspect attempted to flee from officers but was arrested and taken into custody. Paul ASH, 32, is charged with the following: • Assault Causing Bodily Harm • Resisting Police • Failure to Comply with Probation Order • Failure to Comply with Release Order The accused was remanded into custody following an initial court appearance date.