FRAUD FRIDAY: Home repair and renovation scams

August 22, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to advise the public of scams that target local residents.


Police regularly receive reports of residents who have been victimized by fraudulent home repair or renovation scams.


The schemes may be carried out in the form of a person going door-to-door — claiming they’ve noticed an issue that needs to be urgently addressed — or through online and social media advertisements offering repairs or renovations.


The scammers will offer to complete a particular project for an agreed cost but ask for money in advance before doing any work or providing equipment and materials.


Once they have received payment, little or no work is done and promised products are not provided. They may request more money, claiming it’s necessary to be able to carry out the work.


If the work is ever completed, it is often poor quality and could pose a safety hazard or need to be redone.


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 these types of scams. If there is doubt about whether a repair or product is necessary, seek a second opinion from a trusted person or a certified professional.


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


Fraud Alert: Inheritance Scam

March 2, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public about a mail based inheritance scam currently circulating in the community. The Economic Crime Unit has received reports of residents receiving letters that appear to come from an accounting firm. The letters claim that a relative has passed away and that the recipient may be entitled to a large inheritance. Individuals who respond are typically asked to provide personal information or advance fees under the false promise of receiving funds. These letters are fraudulent. Members of the public are advised not to contact the sender. For information about common frauds and how to protect yourself, visit the Thunder Bay Police Service’s fraud prevention resources at: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm To file an online fraud or cybercrime report with the Thunder Bay Police Service, visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime

Police presence expected on Thunder Bay’s south end

March 2, 2026
TB26007891  A visible police presence is expected in the Hall Place area. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area on the evening of March 1, 2026. There is no threat to public safety. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided to media when they become available.

Crime against elders investigation leads to charges

February 27, 2026
TB26005390 A Thunder Bay resident is facing a manslaughter charge following a Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Investigation. On February 10, 2026, TBPS’ Crime Against Elders officer received information about an assault that took place on February 4, 2026, at an assisted living facility. A victim was transported to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre on February 5, 2026. On February 18, 2026, the victim, an 81-year-old from Thunder Bay, died in hospital. As a result of the investigation, a 58-year-old Thunder Bay resident has been charged with Manslaughter. The accused has been released with an undertaking and a future court date.