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

Intelligence Unit investigation leads to multiple charges

July 23, 2026
TB26028760 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Intelligence Unit with the assistance of the Emergency Task Unit and Break, Enter, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit searched a home in the Cameron Street and May Street North area on July 22, 2026. During the search two suspects were located within the home and were arrested. Over $5,000 in Canadian cash, suspected cocaine and oxycodone were also seized. As a result of the investigation, 22-year-old Omar HAJI from Toronto, Ontario and 49-year-old Chris MORIN from Thunder Bay are both facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – other drugs • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000 Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service assault investigation leads to charges

July 22, 2026
TB26027236 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the Howe Street and Cumberland Street North area on July 12, 2026, around 6:30 PM in response to a weapons related call for service. On scene, a victim was located with minor injuries. A search of the area led to a suspect being located and arrested. As a result of the investigation 23-year-old Cadence KAKEPETUM of Shuniah is facing the following charges: • Assault with a weapon • Fail to comply with probation order The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.

July 2026

July 22, 2026
In recent weeks, the policing community has been shaken by the deaths of officers in Ontario and Quebec, along with the tragic loss of a constable in training. When officers are victims of violence by criminals, the grief is especially difficult. I encourage our community to think about those who choose to serve, the families who support them, and the commitment they make every day in the interest of public safety. As we continue to honour and remember fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities, we are also reminded of the strength, compassion and generosity that define our own community. I want to extend my sincere thanks to our members and to everyone who supported our toy drive for wildfire evacuees. The level of support shown through these donations demonstrates how powerful kindness can be, and that the people of our community can be counted on to help in a time of need. Many people have lost homes, camps and properties, and many are hurting. Many of us are supporting family, friends, neighbours and community members experiencing those losses. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the wildfires, and I encourage continued kindness and compassion as we support those who need it most. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police