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

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