The Thunder Bay Police Service has become aware of a phishing scam that may be targeting local phone numbers.
The suspected fraudsters claim to be calling on behalf of the City of Thunder Bay and are telling their would-be victims that they owe money. An investigation revealed this claim was false.
Despite the apparent fraudulent claim, the scammers do not appear to be after money and instead may be after personal information like birth dates.
This is likely part of an ongoing phishing scam. Scammers typically use email or text messages to trick their targets into giving them personal information. The scammers may try to steal passwords, account numbers or Social Insurance numbers. They may use this information to gain access to your email, bank or credit card accounts, or attempt to steal your identity.
Do not provide any organization with your personal information unless you can verify their legitimacy. If you receive a suspicious phone call you have the right to hang up. You can then independently contact the organization or institution in question to verify the status of your accounts.
That strategy saved one would-be victim from being scammed. The target refused to comply with the caller and then contacted the City of Thunder Bay independently. The city was able to confirm that no money was outstanding.
If you get one of these phone calls please do not call 911.
For more information about phishing scams and other ongoing frauds, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.