SCAM ALERT: Several reports of grandparent scam in recent days

August 7, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service has received several reports in recent days from local residents who have been contacted by fraudsters attempting to defraud them with the grandparent scam.


The grandparent scam involves phone calls to potential victims claiming that a family member was involved in an accident or had been arrested, with money urgently needed to address their situation. The fraudster may claim to be a lawyer, law enforcement officer, or have some role with the court system. The scammers may also use spoofing to have the call display appear to be coming from a legitimate phone number.


In some cases, the scammers will use a voice that sounds like the loved one who is in apparent trouble.


The scam may involve having someone attend the victim’s residence to pick up cash. The scammers typically demand amounts between $5,000 and $10,000.


These calls frequently target elderly residents or other vulnerable individuals.


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.


Police advise community members contacted by a suspected scammer to remember that the best way to avoid being victimized is to hang up the phone, then attempt to reach the family member alleged to be in trouble to verify the story. Another way to protect against this scam is to have a code word that only relatives would know to help determine if a call is a scam.


The fraudster will likely try to create an emotional response from the potential victim, urging that the money is required immediately. This is a common tactic to prevent victims from practicing due diligence and should be viewed as strong evidence that a scam is taking place.


Prevention is the best protection against fraud.


If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit our Fraud Prevention page 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

Fraud Friday: Fraudsters posing as cell service providers in Thunder Bay area

October 30, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is warning residents after receiving a report regarding a scam in which individuals are contacted by someone claiming to be from their cell service provider. The caller may offer a phone upgrade, loyalty discount, or other promotional deal.  Using personal or account information, the scammer then orders a device through a legitimate service provider. The scammer may already possess some of the victim's personal information before making contact. After the device arrives, the victim may receive another call from someone claiming to represent the service provider. In some cases, the scammers rely on the victim contacting them directly about the unexpected shipment. In some instances, multiple devices may be shipped to the victim's address. When victims inquire about the unexpected shipment, scammers may provide a fraudulent return address or send a prepaid shipping label. The package is then redirected to an address controlled by the scammer rather than the legitimate company. Prevention Tips: · Avoid purchasing products through unsolicited phone calls. Contact the company directly to verify any offers. · Do not use unexpected return labels without confirming they are legitimate. · Contact your provider directly regarding deals. Use the official phone number on the company’s website to verify any return request. · Check your account. Review your account through the provider’s official app or website for unfamiliar orders or changes. For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or 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

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