SCAM ALERT: Shoulder surfers
February 27, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is urging residents to be aware of their surroundings when using a debit or credit card to make purchases.
Police have become aware that there are scammers who will closely watch customers when making purchases to obtain their personal identification number (PIN) before stealing the card, and then using it for their own transactions.
These scammers, known as shoulder surfers, often take advantage of seniors.
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.
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
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to raise public awareness of common types of scams that target local residents. Police have recently received reports of local residents who have fallen victim to cryptocurrency fraud, including a case where one person lost more than $500,000. Fraudsters may offer promises of substantial return on cryptocurrency investment, but will instead steal money and may also gain access to personal financial information. If an unknown person offers to assist with setting up a cryptocurrency account, this is a scam. Once funds are transferred, it is highly unlikely that they will ever be recovered. Funds can quickly be transferred through multiple exchanges originating in several different countries and are extremely difficult for law enforcement to trace. The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to do their due diligence before engaging in any cryptocurrency investment, including seeking credible financial advice and using reputable exchanges. Residents are also encouraged to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by this type of scam. 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
Thunder Bay Police Service Chief Darcy Fleury has been awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal. Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland made the presentation to Chief Fleury during a visit to the Thunder Bay Police Service station on Thursday. Solicitor General Kerzner recognized Chief Fleury for his years of dedicated policing service, along with his contributions to the Thunder Bay Police Service. The medals commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. Recipients have been selected for having made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.
