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

Missing Person – Bradley Allan JONES, 53

December 29, 2025
TB25049494 The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 53-year-old Bradley Allan JONES. JONES is known to frequent the Amelia Street West area. His family has not been able to contact him since July 2025. JONES is described as a white man standing roughly 5’8”, with a medium build, and brown eyes. If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact the TBPS at (807) 684-1200. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com .

Update: Charges laid following police investigation into incident at business on city’s north end

December 26, 2025
TB25050160 A charge has been laid following a Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into an incident at a business of the city’s north end. On December 26, 2025, officers with the Major Crime Unit made an arrest in connection to an incident that took place on December 25, 2025 on Hodder Avenue. Officers were sent to the business just after midnight in response to a report of an injured individual. The victim is currently in stable condition. As a result of the investigation, an individual has been charged with aggravated assault. The accused has been released from custody with a future court date.

Police investigating sudden death on city’s north end

December 26, 2025
TB25050184 The Thunder Bay Police Service is currently investigating a sudden death on the city’s north end. On December 25, 2025 just before 1:00 p.m., officers responded to a 911 call regarding a sudden death on Regent Street. On scene officers located a deceased man. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided when they become available. Anyone with any information concerning the case is encouraged to come forward and speak with Investigators by calling 807-684-1200. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com.