SCAM ALERT: Fraudsters demanding gift cards as payment

May 28, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public that local residents continue to be targeted by phone scams.

Police have received recent reports that residents have received phone calls, where callers have demanded payment in the form of gift cards.

 

These are scam calls. No legitimate financial agency or institution would ever demand or accept gift cards as an appropriate form of payment.

 

These cases are very difficult for police to investigate and repayment or reclaiming of lost funds is rare.

 

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.

 

If there is concern but uncertainty about whether a phone call is a scam, please hang up and directly contact the institution or agency in question. Look up the contact numbers independently and never use the number provided by a potential fraudster or displayed on caller ID.

 

The Thunder Bay Police Service is unable to stop these calls from being made. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please 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

Missing Person – Bradley Allan JONES, 53

December 29, 2025
TB25049494 The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 53-year-old Bradley Allan JONES. JONES is known to frequent the Amelia Street West area. His family has not been able to contact him since July 2025. JONES is described as a white man standing roughly 5’8”, with a medium build, and brown eyes. If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact the TBPS at (807) 684-1200. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com .

Update: Charges laid following police investigation into incident at business on city’s north end

December 26, 2025
TB25050160 A charge has been laid following a Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into an incident at a business of the city’s north end. On December 26, 2025, officers with the Major Crime Unit made an arrest in connection to an incident that took place on December 25, 2025 on Hodder Avenue. Officers were sent to the business just after midnight in response to a report of an injured individual. The victim is currently in stable condition. As a result of the investigation, an individual has been charged with aggravated assault. The accused has been released from custody with a future court date.

Police investigating sudden death on city’s north end

December 26, 2025
TB25050184 The Thunder Bay Police Service is currently investigating a sudden death on the city’s north end. On December 25, 2025 just before 1:00 p.m., officers responded to a 911 call regarding a sudden death on Regent Street. On scene officers located a deceased man. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided when they become available. Anyone with any information concerning the case is encouraged to come forward and speak with Investigators by calling 807-684-1200. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com.