SCAM ALERT: Be aware of grandparent scam

March 6, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising community members that the grandparent scam continues to target local residents.

Scammers will call potential victims, claiming that a family member was involved in an accident or had been arrested, with money urgently needed to address their situation. The fraudster may claim to be a lawyer or law enforcement officer.

 

These calls frequently target elderly residents or other vulnerable individuals.

 

The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit is urging family members and friends to speak to those who may be vulnerable to being targeted by this type of scam.

 

Police advise community members contacted by a suspected scammer to remember that the best way to avoid being victimized is to hang up the phone, then attempt to reach the family member alleged to be in trouble to verify the story.

 

The fraudster may attempt to dissuade a victim from doing this by claiming the money is required immediately. This is a common tactic to prevent victims from practicing due diligence and should be viewed as strong evidence that a scam is taking place.

 

March is Fraud Prevention Month. For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit 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

Two arrested, police seize suspected cocaine and fentanyl

July 16, 2025
TB25027915

SIU concludes Thunder Bay investigation

July 15, 2025
The Special Investigations Unit announced it has closed its investigation into an incident involving Thunder Bay Police Service officers that occurred in December 2023. The SIU found no basis to believe that any officer committed a criminal offence and concluded their investigation with no further process. With the conclusion of the SIU investigation, the Thunder Bay Police Service will now commence its required administrative review in accordance with Section 81 of the Community Safety and Policing Act. The purpose of the administrative investigation is to review member conduct, the policing provided, and procedures all as they relate to the incident. This administrative review will be reported to the Thunder Bay Police Service Board upon completion. The Special Investigations Unit media release can be viewed online: https://www.siu.on.ca/en/news_template.php?nrid=10512

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
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