SCAM ALERT: Fraudulent financial services letter

May 14, 2025

Police are advising the public of a scam that has been recently reported.

The Thunder Bay Police Service Economic Crime Unit was recently contacted and provided information about the occurrence.

 

A letter was addressed to a deceased individual, purportedly from a financial services company, advising that the individual was owed funds that had yet to be paid.

 

The letter provided a phone number to contact for the payment to be issued. The provided phone number is not visible anywhere on the company's website.

 

In addition, the letter and envelope do not appear to be legitimate, with the content of the letter not seeming to be of an expected professional standard and the letterhead not appearing to be genuine.

 

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.

 

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

July 15, 2025
The Special Investigations Unit announced it has closed its investigation into an incident involving Thunder Bay Police Service officers that occurred in December 2023. The SIU found no basis to believe that any officer committed a criminal offence and concluded their investigation with no further process. With the conclusion of the SIU investigation, the Thunder Bay Police Service will now commence its required administrative review in accordance with Section 81 of the Community Safety and Policing Act. The purpose of the administrative investigation is to review member conduct, the policing provided, and procedures all as they relate to the incident. This administrative review will be reported to the Thunder Bay Police Service Board upon completion. The Special Investigations Unit media release can be viewed online: https://www.siu.on.ca/en/news_template.php?nrid=10512
July 11, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to raise public awareness of common types of scams that target local residents. Police have recently received reports of local residents who have fallen victim to cryptocurrency fraud, including a case where one person lost more than $500,000. Fraudsters may offer promises of substantial return on cryptocurrency investment, but will instead steal money and may also gain access to personal financial information. If an unknown person offers to assist with setting up a cryptocurrency account, this is a scam. Once funds are transferred, it is highly unlikely that they will ever be recovered. Funds can quickly be transferred through multiple exchanges originating in several different countries and are extremely difficult for law enforcement to trace. The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to do their due diligence before engaging in any cryptocurrency investment, including seeking credible financial advice and using reputable exchanges. Residents are also encouraged to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by this type of scam. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or 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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