FRAUD FRIDAY: Repayment scams

July 18, 2025

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


A common scheme is the repayment scam.


Scammers will send an email advising the recipient that they are due a refund or reimbursement after an overpayment for an account on a platform like Amazon or Paypal. The email will likely ask the recipients to provide banking information and may either provide a "refund form" or a request to send money by e-transfer to validate the account.


Recipients may also be asked to download an app, such as AnyDesk, which will provide external control of the device, allowing scammers to have access to personal information.


This is a scam. The scammers will use that information to compromise a bank account and any money sent by e-transfer will be lost.



People who receive these messages are urged to ignore or delete them. If in doubt, check your account status directly on the platform in question.


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 investigating human remains

May 22, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is currently investigating the discovery of a deceased person. Human remains were located today in the Thunder Centre area. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. There is no threat to public safety. A separate investigation which was reported yesterday regarding a police presence in the same area is ongoing. A visible police presence continues and members of the public are asked to avoid the area. No further information is available at this time. Updates may be provided when they become available.

Police presence expected in Intercity area

May 21, 2026
A visible police presence is expected in the Fort William Road and Isabel Street area. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area around 4:30 PM on May 21, 2026, in response to a call for service. There is no threat to public safety. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area. No further information is available at this time.

Investigation into distribution of private images without consent and harassment leads to charges

May 20, 2026
TB26016170 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. The investigation began in May, in response to a report regarding the distribution of private images without consent, and harassment. As a result of the investigation, 36-year-old Kirsty LENNOX from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Distribute intimate image without consent (three counts) • Criminal harassment – repeatedly communicate (two counts) The accused was released from custody with a future court date. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing. 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.