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


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