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

October 28, 2025
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October 27, 2025
Over the past few months, there has been a meaningful shift in how the community sees the work we do. While our commitment to public safety has never changed, it's encouraging to see people recognizing and supporting it. From the comments shared at Chat with the Chief events in the community, to the encouraging response to our planned Thunder Bay Police Service Gala, it’s clear that people want to be part of something positive. They recognize the dedication of our officers and the important role policing plays in keeping our community safe. At recent “Chat with the Chief” events, I’ve had the opportunity to hear directly from many of you. Residents have expressed a desire to see more officers in the community. We share that goal. While we continue to work toward increasing our presence, our current focus remains on addressing Drugs, Guns, and Gangs—a critical priority, given how deeply interconnected these issues are and the harm they cause in communities. While our role is to enforce the law, lasting community safety involves more than police presence alone. We know that community organizations and service providers play a vital role in helping people live healthy, productive lives and reducing the need for police intervention. By addressing the root causes of crime and crisis—through prevention, support, and connection—these partners provide critical services and alternative response models that contribute to a safer, healthier city. That’s why I’m proud to be participating in Thunder Bay’s first Community Safety & Well-Being (CSWB) Forum—a free event where residents, service providers, and community leaders will come together to talk about what it truly means to build a safer, stronger Thunder Bay. The Forum is a chance to share ideas, hear diverse perspectives, and help shape the refreshed CSWB Plan for 2026–2030—a community roadmap grounded in prevention, connection, and support, so everyone can live well, feel safe, and thrive. It will be held Thursday, November 13 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.  Everyone is welcome. I look forward to continuing this important conversation with all of you.
October 23, 2025
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