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

Man arrested on drug trafficking charges

July 17, 2025
TB25028089

Two arrested, police seize suspected cocaine and fentanyl

July 16, 2025
TB25027915

SIU concludes Thunder Bay investigation

July 15, 2025
The Special Investigations Unit announced it has closed its investigation into an incident involving Thunder Bay Police Service officers that occurred in December 2023. The SIU found no basis to believe that any officer committed a criminal offence and concluded their investigation with no further process. With the conclusion of the SIU investigation, the Thunder Bay Police Service will now commence its required administrative review in accordance with Section 81 of the Community Safety and Policing Act. The purpose of the administrative investigation is to review member conduct, the policing provided, and procedures all as they relate to the incident. This administrative review will be reported to the Thunder Bay Police Service Board upon completion. The Special Investigations Unit media release can be viewed online: https://www.siu.on.ca/en/news_template.php?nrid=10512
More Posts