Fraudsters impersonating Canadian Lakehead Exhibition ahead of annual Family Fair

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