SCAM ALERT: Local businesses targeted by fraud

April 30, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public of an email scam that has been recently reported.

The Thunder Bay Police Service Economic Crime Unit is currently involved in an investigation after receiving information of local businesses having their email accounts compromised.

 

After gaining access to the accounts, the scammers then contact clients purporting to be the business representative, advising them of changes to banking information and provide a different account.

 

Funds are then sent to a scammer's account, rather than the business.

 

Police urge that if there is concern or uncertainty about whether a message is a scam, please directly contact the business or institution. Look up the contact numbers independently and never use information provided by a possible scammer.

 

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

 

August 1, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to provide advice to the public on how to avoid being victimized by fraud. Police are encouraging people to take steps to safeguard their accounts to prevent potential scammers from gaining access. One important way to keep accounts secure is to protect ID and password information. Some recommended best practices include choosing a strong password with a combination of numbers, letters and symbols, and to use unique passwords for financial, email, and social media accounts. As well, it’s important to regularly monitor financial accounts to be able to detect any nefarious activity as quickly as possible and to report any breaches to your financial institution immediately.  The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by fraud. Prevention is the best protection against fraud. 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