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

Police presence expected on Thunder Bay’s south end

October 8, 2026
A visible police presence is expected in the area of the 600 block of Victoria Avenue East. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area on October 5, 2026, in response to a call for service. The investigation remains ongoing. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as they become available.

Police locate and arrest assault suspect

October 8, 2026
TB26040420 One person faces multiple charges after attempting to flee arrest following an overnight assault. Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to an address in the area of Simpson and Bethune streets just after midnight on Wednesday, October 7, after receiving a report of an assault. Responding officers learned that two males became involved in a verbal altercation, which led to a physical assault. Officers located a male matching the suspect description in the area of May and Donald streets about 45 minutes later. The suspect attempted to flee from officers but was arrested and taken into custody. Paul ASH, 32, is charged with the following: • Assault Causing Bodily Harm • Resisting Police • Failure to Comply with Probation Order • Failure to Comply with Release Order The accused was remanded into custody following an initial court appearance date.

Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation leads to charges

October 7, 2026
TB26033026 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began on August 19, 2026, in response to a report of a local resident uploading child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM) to the Bing search engine. Further investigation led to a suspect being identified. On September 24, 2026, officers searched a home in Thunder Bay and seized multiple electronic devices as part of the investigation. On October 7, 2026, the suspect turned themselves in to Thunder Bay Police Service Headquarters. As a result of the investigation, 56-year-old Jeffrey PETERS of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material • Access any child sexual abuse and exploitation material The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing. The Thunder Bay Police Service recognizes that parents and caregivers are the frontline when it comes to protecting children on the Internet and electronic devices. We encourage you to remain vigilant in your efforts. Tips for talking to your kids can be found, and reporting of any online exploitation can also be made, at Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at cybertip.ca. There are also resources available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for those who have a sexual interest in children. The new Talking for Change ( https://talkingforchange.ca/ ) program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides national and all-ages help for those concerned about their risk to use child sexual exploitation material or offend sexually against a child. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Brian STEWART at 807-684-1200 ex. 407. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com .