FRAUD FRIDAY: Online investment scams

August 15, 2025

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


Police regularly receive reports of local residents who have fallen victim to internet investment or cryptocurrency fraud.


Fraudsters may offer promises of high rates of return on investment. They may advertise fraudulent investment platforms or cryptocurrency exchanges that appear to be legitimate. Instead, these might be schemes to steal money and access the target's personal financial information.


It is highly unlikely that lost funds will ever be recovered. Funds can quickly be transferred through multiple platforms based in several different countries and are extremely difficult for law enforcement to trace.


The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to do their due diligence before engaging in any online investment, including seeking credible financial advice and using reputable platforms. Residents are also encouraged to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by these types of scams.


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


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
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