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

Charges laid following Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation

May 19, 2026
TB26017508 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to multiple charges. On May 11, 2026, officers with the Intelligence Unit with the assistance of the Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit and the Emergency Task Unit searched a home on Clavet Street. During the search, officers seized a quantity of suspected crack cocaine, Canadian currency and drug paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking. As a result of the investigation, 55-year-old Lynda MCCALLUM from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine • Failure to comply with release order The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance. The investigation remains ongoing.

Missing Person: Kelsey ANDERSON, 36

May 19, 2026
TB26017520  The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 36-year-old Kelsey ANDERSON. Kelsey was last seen on May 9, 2026, around noon in the Algoma Street North area. He is described as an Indigenous male, with a slim build standing roughly 5’ 8”, with long black hair that is normally tied back, a goatee-style beard, brown eyes, with acne scars on his face. ANDERSON was last seen wearing a black and grey baseball cap, a tan hoodie, black pants, and white and grey sneakers. If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact police at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

Update: Boulevard Lake assault suspect arrested

May 14, 2026
TB26016920 A person has been charged in connection to an assault in the Boulevard Lake area on May 7, 2026. The Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response unit responded to a call regarding the assault and the Major Case Unit became involved in the investigation. Yesterday at approximately 3:30 pm, officers with the Break Enter and Robbery (BEAR) unit located and arrested a male suspect. As a result of the investigation, 34-year-old Edward MOORE of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Assault • Assault causing bodily harm - Choke, suffocate or strangle The Thunder Bay Police Service thanks members of the community for providing information on this incident.