THUNDER BAY – NEWS – A new wave of email fraud is targeting Thunder Bay businesses, prompting a public warning from the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS). The Economic Crime Unit is investigating reports of compromised business emails being used in sophisticated financial scams.
Businesses Targeted by Email Account Breaches
Local companies have reported that scammers are gaining unauthorized access to their email accounts. Once inside, the fraudsters pose as legitimate representatives of the business and send messages to clients, informing them of false changes to banking information.
Scammers Redirect Funds Through Fraudulent Accounts
These fraudulent messages instruct clients to send payments to a new bank account—one controlled by the scammer. Victims only become aware of the fraud after payments have been misdirected, often resulting in financial losses for both the business and their clients.
Police Advise: Don’t Trust Emails Alone
The Thunder Bay Police Service is urging residents and business owners to verify any request for banking changes directly with the company involved. “Never rely solely on information from an email or message that seems suspicious,” TBPS emphasizes. “Use trusted contact numbers or websites to confirm any requests before sending money.”
How to Report and Learn More About Fraud
For more information on how to protect yourself and your business from fraud, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at:
https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
If you believe you’ve been targeted or have fallen victim to a scam, you can report it to the Thunder Bay Police Service via their online fraud and cybercrime portal:
https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime
