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 Primary Response Unit investigation leads to multiple charges

June 30, 2026
TB26025124 A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. Officers were dispatched to the Victoria Avenue East area on June 29, 2026, just before 9:30 PM in response to reports of individuals using bear spray. On scene, two victims were located and the individuals received treatment from emergency services. One of the individuals was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The involved suspects had left the scene prior to officers arriving. A search of the area led to six suspects being located and arrested. As a result of the investigation, a 17-year-old of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Assault with a weapon (two counts) · Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose · Pointing a firearm · Failure to comply with an undertaking A 15-year-old from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Assault with a weapon (two counts) · Failure to comply with release order A 16-year-old from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Assault with a weapon (two counts) · Failure to comply with release order A 14-year-old from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Assault with a weapon (two counts) · Failure to comply with release order An additional 14-year-old from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Assault with a weapon (two counts) A 17-year-old from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Assault with a weapon (two counts) The 17-year-old from Thunder Bay who is facing two charges was released from custody with a future court date. The remaining accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearances.  The identity of the accused cannot be released in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigation leads to charges

June 30, 2026
TB26024150, TB26024243 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to charges. On June 23, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit began an investigation following a call for service regarding a stolen vehicle. Further investigation led to a stolen vehicle being located later that same day, and a suspect being identified. Officers with the Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit located and arrested the suspect while on patrol as part of Project Support on June 24, 2026. Further investigation determined that the accused was also connected to an additional active investigation, leading to additional charges. As a result of both investigation, 32-year-old Christian NEEKAN from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (two counts) • Operation while prohibited (two counts) • Fail to comply with a probation order(two counts) • Theft of motor vehicle • Break, enter a place to commit indictable offence • Driving while under suspension (two counts) (Highway Traffic Act) The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigation leads to seizure of an estimated $380,000 in suspected illicit drugs, firearm

June 29, 2026
TB26024146 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to the seizure of suspected illicit drugs and a firearm. On June 23, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to a business on Memorial Avenue in response to a call for service regarding an individual who may have been in possession of a firearm. Further investigation and a search of the area led to a suspect being identified, located, and arrest. The Intelligence Unit became involved in the investigation. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of a revolver style handgun, over 1.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, and over $5,000 in cash. As a result of the investigation, 22-year-old Jasiah MCNICOLLS of Richmond Hill is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – (opioid) • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.