Fraudsters impersonating Canadian Lakehead Exhibition ahead of annual Family Fair

June 23, 2026

The Thunder Bay Police Service has received a report from the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) regarding an unknown individual or individuals who are contacting members of the public and potential vendors regarding participation in the CLE Annual Family Fair.
 
The fraudsters are claiming they represent the CLE.
 
They are requesting that interested businesses complete application forms, provide personal and business information, and submit payments to reserve vendor spaces for the event.
 
These communications are not authorized by the CLE and are not being conducted through official CLE channels.
 
The person or persons involved do not represent the CLE in any capacity.
 
The unauthorized use of the CLE name and event branding has the potential to mislead vendors, obtain personal information under false pretenses, and collect fraudulent payments from prospective exhibitors.
 
EMAIL USED BY SCAMMERS: canadianlakeheadvendors@gmail.com
 
Dear Vendor,
 
We are pleased to invite you to apply as a vendor for the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) 2026, taking place from August 5-9, 2026 at the CLE Grounds in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
 
The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition is one of Northwestern Ontario's largest annual fairs, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The event features a wide range of attractions including midway rides, live entertainment, food vendors, artisan markets, agricultural exhibits, and family activities, making it an excellent opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services.
 
We are currently accepting applications from food vendors, food trucks, artisans, retail businesses, commercial exhibitors, and service providers for the 2026 event. 
To apply, please complete the official vendor application form below: Apply Here:
 
CLE 2026 Vendor Application Form Important Information:
 
Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance
 
All applications are reviewed by the CLE vendor committee
 
Approved vendors will receive confirmation and payment instructions
 
Space is limited and early applications are strongly encouraged
 
All vendors must comply with event rules, health regulations, and safety requirements
 
We look forward to reviewing your application and hopefully welcoming you as part of CLE 2026.
 
Warm regards, 
Vendor Coordination Team Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) Thunder Bay, Ontario.
 
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 

Fraud Friday: ATM cash-trapping scams

August 21, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding residents to be cautious when using automated teller machines (ATMs) following reports of a cash-trapping scam in other communities. No cases of this type have been reported to the Thunder Bay Police Service at this time. This advisory is being shared to help the public recognize the potential risk and take precautions. In a cash-trapping scam, a device is placed over or inside an ATM’s cash dispenser. The machine may appear to complete the withdrawal, but the cash is held by the device. A fraudster can then return and collect it after the customer leaves. Protect yourself: • Check the ATM for loose parts, unusual attachments, or signs of tampering. • Use ATMs in well-lit, high-traffic locations whenever possible. • If cash is not dispensed, do not leave immediately. Contact your financial institution using a trusted number and report the problem to the ATM operator. • Review your account and promptly report any transaction you do not recognize. If an ATM appears to have been tampered with, do not use it. Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service. If you have lost money or disclosed banking information, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm).

Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into stolen vehicle leads to charges

August 20, 2026
TB26031063 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into the theft of a stolen motor vehicle has led to charges. On August 8, 2026, officers received a report regarding the theft of a vehicle from a business in the Central Avenue area on August 6, 2026. A review of video footage led to a suspect being identified. Officers located and arrested the suspect in the Ogden Street area on August 8, 2026. A search of the Rowand Street area that same day led to the stolen vehicle being located. As a result of the investigation, 32-year-old Selena SIMMONS from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft of motor vehicle • Dangerous operation • Fail to comply with probation order The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.

Major Crime Unit investigation leads to manslaughter charges

August 19, 2026
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