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

October 29, 2025
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October 28, 2025
Special Constables were sworn in last week at TBPS. Pictured: Deputy Chief Ryan Hughes, Erin Murphy, Tristan Johnson, Chief Darcy Fleury, Cole Lambert, Krystal Wiwcharyk, and Deputy Chief Jeremy Pearson.  The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) and the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) have partnered to launch a new, community-focused initiative: the Housing Safety Unit (HSU). Under this initiative, dedicated Special Constables will be deployed to provide a proactive, visible, and tailored safety presence in TBDSSAB-owned housing communities. Special Constables are appointed under Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA). They are law enforcement officers with limited police powers, authorized to enforce laws within a specific jurisdiction. The HSU is being launched as a pilot program with possibility of continuation based on data. “The HSU is a prime example of community and police collaborating to create safer spaces through proactive, community-based presence,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It’s about building trust, maintaining order, and ultimately supporting residents in feeling safe in their homes.” Four TBPS Special Constables will be deployed primarily to three high-volume buildings, while also establishing relationships at TBDSSAB’s other direct-owned properties. Their duties include routine patrols, incident response, tenant engagement, and support referrals. “These constables are equipped to enforce laws under the Criminal Code, Trespass to Property Act, Liquor Licence and Control Act, Mental Health Act (in limited roles), and relevant municipal bylaws and housing rules. They are equipped to enforce laws under the Criminal Code, Trespass to Property Act, Liquor Licence and Control Act, Mental Health Act (in limited roles), and relevant municipal bylaws and housing rules,” explained Jason Rybak, TBPS Inspector, Operational Support. TBDSSAB introduced Tenant Support Workers (TSWs) in 2017 to support the unique challenges faced by tenants in community housing within the permitted scope of a landlord-tenant relationship per the Housing Services Act and Residential Tenancies Act. Tenant Support Workers support tenants by building relationships, creating opportunities for tenant community building, and making referrals to community services. In recent years, TSWs have built a strong rapport with the TBPS Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) unit, with officers offering tenants education and advice around personal and community safety as-needed. As demand increases and police resources are challenged, this innovative partnership offers a new way to support proactive engagement with housing communities. “Our housing communities deserve safe, supportive environments,” said Ken Ranta, CEO of TBDSSAB. “This partnership allows us to bring a new level of dedicated, community-specific safety to those who need it most.” Krystal Wiwcharyk is one of the new Special Constables. “I know how important it is for people to feel safe, heard, and connected,” she said. “It’s about more than enforcing the law; it’s about understanding the challenges people face and helping them find solutions in a compassionate, respectful way.” The HSU Special Constable role can involve helping someone access support services, mediating neighbour disputes, or simply being a familiar, approachable presence. By offering practical help and working alongside community partners, Special Constables can help prevent issues before they escalate. The HSU is expected to: • Enhance resident safety • Reduce criminal and social disorder • Build trust through community-based engagement • Provide enforcement tailored to the unique needs of housing communities A similar initiative implemented in Toronto has led to reduced emergency calls, improved perceptions of safety, and stronger tenant relationships with enforcement personnel. The TBDSSAB and TBPS HSU partnership is expected to deliver similar benefits in Thunder Bay—at a lower cost than traditional police deployment, and with more authority and training than private security. Data will inform future expansion and strategic adjustments.