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

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.

Charges laid following Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation

May 19, 2026
TB26017508 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to multiple charges. On May 11, 2026, officers with the Intelligence Unit with the assistance of the Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit and the Emergency Task Unit searched a home on Clavet Street. During the search, officers seized a quantity of suspected crack cocaine, Canadian currency and drug paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking. 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 property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine • Failure to comply with release order The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance. The investigation remains ongoing.

Missing Person: Kelsey ANDERSON, 36

May 19, 2026
TB26017520  The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 36-year-old Kelsey ANDERSON. Kelsey was last seen on May 9, 2026, around noon in the Algoma Street North area. He is described as an Indigenous male, with a slim build standing roughly 5’ 8”, with long black hair that is normally tied back, a goatee-style beard, brown eyes, with acne scars on his face. ANDERSON was last seen wearing a black and grey baseball cap, a tan hoodie, black pants, and white and grey sneakers. If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact police at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.