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

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