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

Thunder Bay Police respond to weapons call on city’s north end

January 18, 2026
TB26002366 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to investigate following a weapons incident that occurred on the morning of January 18, 2026. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were sent to Memorial Avenue, around 2:00 a.m. in response to an individual who had been located with injuries. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. A visible police presence is expected in the 10th Avenue area.

Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

January 15, 2026
TB26001908 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to charges. On January 14, 2026, Intelligence Unit officers executed a search warrant at a home on Machar Avenue. During the search suspected illegal drugs including cocaine and fentanyl were seized, along with cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking. As a result of the investigation 25-year-old Levi BELL, 37-year-old Samantha BENNETT-DOLPH, 50-year-old Devon BOND, 34-year-old Linda LEDGER, 48-year-old Kelsey TENHUNEN, 33-year-old Wayne WOODBECK, and 38-year-old Dustin WOODBECK, all from Thunder Bay, are facing the following charges: • Possession for purpose of trafficking cocaine • Possession for purpose of trafficking fentanyl • Proceeds of crime over $5,000 Wayne WOODBECK and Levi BELL have also been charged with breach of probation. Total street value of drugs seized is roughly $6,500. BENNETT-DOLPH, and BOND have been released from custody with a future court date. The remaining accused remain in custody with a future court date.

Police response to weapons call leads to charges

January 13, 2026
TB25050587 One person is facing charges following a police response to a weapons call. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were sent to a home on Blucher Avenue around 6:30 p.m. on December 29, 2025, in response to reports of an altercation. Officers arrived and contained the scene. Two residents of the home were present, but the suspect had left the scene. Another call for service came in from a separate residence on Blucher Avenue while officers were speaking with the two residents. Officers were able to confirm the presence of the suspect in the second residence. Members of the Primary Response Unit and the Emergency Task Unit were able to safely arrest the suspect a short time later. As a result of the investigation, 27-year-old Bryson Matinet from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Assault (two counts) • Assault with a weapon • Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm (two counts) • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose • Pointing a firearm • Disobeying an order of court • Unauthorized possession of a firearm The accused was held in custody for a future court date.