FRAUD FRIDAY: Residential Rental Scams

October 3, 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 residential rental scams.

Residential rental scams happen when a person interested in renting a property believes they are communicating with the owner or landlord of an available property. The renter may be pressured into paying a deposit to view the property, or live elsewhere and be unable to view a property in person before agreeing to rent it. The renter pays a deposit, only to find that the property was never available for rent. The deposit – and the “landlord” - disappear.


If the price seems too good to be true, it likely is. Red flags to watch for include the landlord asking for cash only, a cash security deposit, or money to be wired.


Tips

  • Don’t send money to anyone you have not met in person and/or for property you have not seen in person.
  • Ask for identification from anyone showing you the property and write down the licence plate if they arrive in a vehicle.
  • Search for owner information in the Land Titles office to confirm you are dealing with the owner.

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 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

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

June 2026

July 22, 2026
Our 2025 Annual Report reflects the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of the Thunder Bay Police Service, while marking important progress in putting our new Strategic Plan into action. The report recognizes the people behind the service: frontline officers, Communications Operators, civilian professionals, and sworn members who support our community with integrity, care, and dedication. I am proud of what our members have accomplished, and their continued dedication to serving our community. The report also includes 2025 data that demonstrate that ours remains a busy service, responding to a high volume and wide range of increasingly complex calls. Some examples: 50,813 total calls for service 10,243 priority 1 calls 2,341 Mental Health Act calls 2,508 domestic calls 866 missing persons calls 797 weapons calls 445 impaired driving charges $4.5+ million in drugs seized 42 lockdown drills by School Resource Officers 164,125 exhibits handled by the Digital Evidence Management Team 1,452,492 kilometers traveled by our fleet vehicles I invite you to read through the report at https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/reports.  You will see highlights of the impact of our work, including intelligence-led policing, targeted enforcement, prevention efforts, and technology that are helping improve public safety and reduce harm. I am and grateful for the opportunity to serve this community as we move forward with focus, purpose, and commitment. I extend my sincere thanks to our sworn and civilian members, community partners, and residents. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and together we continue working toward a safer, more supportive community for everyone. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police