Thunder Bay Police warn businesses about fake North Stars sponsorship requests seeking a $500 deposit

THUNDER BAY — LOCAL CRIME NEWS — Thunder Bay Police are warning local businesses and food vendors about unauthorized sponsorship requests being sent by someone falsely claiming to represent the Thunder Bay North Stars hockey team.

Police say the Thunder Bay North Stars reported that an unknown person or persons have been contacting members of the public and potential vendors about sponsorship opportunities connected with the team’s home games.

Police Say Sponsorship Emails Are Not Authorized

According to Thunder Bay Police Service, emails have been sent to local businesses and food vendors offering opportunities to become sponsors or vendors at North Stars home games.

The application reportedly asks recipients to send a $500 deposit to the email address:

miketallarithunderbaynorthstars@yahoo.com

Police say those communications are not authorized by the Thunder Bay North Stars.

The person or people sending the messages do not represent the hockey team in any capacity.

Businesses Urged to Verify Requests Directly

TBPS is reminding businesses that fraudsters can spoof phone numbers, email addresses and other identifying information to make communications appear legitimate.

Anyone receiving a sponsorship, vendor or payment request should verify it independently before sending money.

Businesses should contact the Thunder Bay North Stars using contact information obtained from the team’s official channels rather than replying to the email or using phone numbers or links supplied in the suspicious message.

Police also advise against sending deposits, banking information, credit-card details or other financial information until the request has been confirmed.

What Canadian Fraud Law Covers

No charges have been announced in connection with this investigation.

In general, section 380 of the Criminal Code deals with fraud, which involves using deceit, falsehood or other fraudulent means to deprive a person or organization of money, property or another valuable interest.

Where the value involved exceeds $5,000, fraud can carry a maximum sentence of up to 14 years imprisonment when prosecuted by indictment. Fraud involving $5,000 or less carries lower maximum penalties.

Those provisions are provided as general legal context only. Police have not said what offence, if any, may ultimately be charged in this case.

If a suspect is identified and charged, that person would be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Watch for Common Warning Signs

Businesses should be cautious when a sponsorship request includes pressure to pay quickly, unfamiliar email addresses, unexpected deposits, unusual payment instructions or contact information that does not match the organization’s official website or social-media accounts.

A professional-looking logo, invoice or application form does not by itself prove a request is legitimate.

When in doubt, stop the transaction and confirm independently.

How to Report Suspected Fraud

Thunder Bay Police provide fraud-prevention information through their website, while the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre maintains information about current scams and reporting options.

People who believe they have been targeted by fraud or cybercrime can also file an online report with Thunder Bay Police.

Anyone who has already sent money or disclosed banking information should contact their financial institution as soon as possible and report the incident to police.