FRAUD FRIDAY: QR code scams

September 5, 2025

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


With the increasing prevalence of QR codes, these are also being used as a tool by scammers to conduct fraud schemes.


QR codes may be sent with email messages purporting to be from a service provider, government agency, or financial institution. These codes will provide a link to a fraudulent website that may result a device or network being infected with a virus, where users are asked to provide personal or financial details that can lead to identity theft.


Other scams may involve online purchases, where users are asked to scan a code to make or receive payment and then are directed to a fraudulent website asking for their account information.


Another scam involves fraudsters applying a fraudulent QR code sticker on top of a legitimate code.


Police urge residents to beware of any unsolicited text, email, or social media messages asking users to scan a QR code. If the QR code link doesn't match the name of the business, it may be fraud. As well, never scan a QR code to receive payment.


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

Police investigation on Thunder Bay’s south end leads to charges

February 10, 2026
TB26005280 A Thunder Bay Police investigation has led to charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to a call for service on Thunder Bay’s south end on February 9, 2026, in response to possible voyeurism. During the investigation it was determined that a hidden camera had been installed in a home while a suspect was providing renovation work. Further investigation led to a suspect being located and arrested. As a result, 44-year-old James, JAATINEN from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Voyeurism • Mischief – Obstruct, interrupts or interferes with any person in lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property The accused has been released from custody with a future court date. The Cyber Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . 

Thunder Bay Police Service investigating criminal harassment

February 7, 2026
TB26003763, TB26003756, TB26004039 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing an investigation into criminal harassment. Officers began an investigation into a suspicious vehicle on January 28, 2026, following multiple reports about the vehicle – a silver older model of Dodge Ram pickup truck. A person in the same truck has been seen attempting to pick up females in Thunder Bay’s downtown cores. The driver is described as an Indigenous male, roughly 40-50 years-old, with a heavy build and a shaved head. The Major Crime Unit, Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit (CORE), and the Break and Enter and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. Officers with the BEAR Unit located and arrested a suspect in the case on January 30, 2026. The Thunder Bay Police Service is looking for other victims that may have been impacted. A tip line (807) - 701 - 5417 has been established. Those providing information to the tip line must include their name and phone number so investigators can follow up. If you wish to provide information anonymously, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com.

Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

February 6, 2026
TB26004504 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and charges. Officers with the Intelligence Unit searched a home on Margaret Street on February, 03, 2026, as part of the investigation. During the search suspected cocaine, fentanyl, cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking were seized. Two people in the home were also arrested. As a result of the investigation, 55-year-old Lynda MCCALLUM from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Failure to comply with release order MCCALLUM remains in custody with a future court date. The second suspect has been released with a future court date and is not being named until their charges are read before the court.