FRAUD FRIDAY: Text Message Scams

June 20, 2025

Police are cautioning the public to be mindful of text message scams.


The Thunder Bay Police Service has recently received a report from a resident who received a text message to participate in an online survey about their local police service. The number that sent the message is not obtainable when called.


The Thunder Bay Police Service is not currently conducting a survey, and ones conducted in the past have not involved text message invitations to participate.


Scammers will frequently send messages that include links. These may be in the form of invitations to participate in surveys, notification of failed mail delivery, payment issues for a subscription service, or a notice from a financial institution.


These messages are scams, especially if they refer to a financial institution where the recipient does not have an account, a service the recipient does not use, or if it refers to a delivery the recipient is not expecting. Do not click on the links and delete the messages.


Police urge family members and friends to speak to those who may be vulnerable to being targeted by scams.


For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm


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

UPDATE: Missing Person - Arthur 'Sonny' TWARDOWSKY, 78

July 11, 2025
TB25027133

FRAUD FRIDAY: Cryptocurrency scams

July 11, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to raise public awareness of common types of scams that target local residents. Police have recently received reports of local residents who have fallen victim to cryptocurrency fraud, including a case where one person lost more than $500,000. Fraudsters may offer promises of substantial return on cryptocurrency investment, but will instead steal money and may also gain access to personal financial information. If an unknown person offers to assist with setting up a cryptocurrency account, this is a scam. Once funds are transferred, it is highly unlikely that they will ever be recovered. Funds can quickly be transferred through multiple exchanges originating in several different countries and are extremely difficult for law enforcement to trace. The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to do their due diligence before engaging in any cryptocurrency investment, including seeking credible financial advice and using reputable exchanges. Residents are also encouraged to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by this type of scam. 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

Chief Fleury awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal

July 11, 2025
Thunder Bay Police Service Chief Darcy Fleury has been awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal. Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland made the presentation to Chief Fleury during a visit to the Thunder Bay Police Service station on Thursday. Solicitor General Kerzner recognized Chief Fleury for his years of dedicated policing service, along with his contributions to the Thunder Bay Police Service. The medals commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. Recipients have been selected for having made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.
More Posts