The Thunder Bay Police Service is warning people in Thunder Bay, Ontario, about a scam involving fake letters sent through the mail. On March 2, 2026, investigators reported that residents have received letters that claim they are entitled to a large inheritance from a relative who has died.
The letters are designed to look like they come from a professional accounting firm. If a resident responds, the scammers will ask for sensitive personal information or demand payment for upfront fees before any of the non-existent money can be released.
Police say this type of physical mail is a way for criminals to steal a person’s identity or their savings. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious mail through the police website or to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
This alert comes as financial fraud remains a significant concern across the country. In 2024, total losses to fraud in Canada reached more than $638 million.
Experts estimate that only 5 to 10 per cent of people who are targeted by scammers actually report the incident to the authorities. Police advise anyone who receives a letter like this to avoid contacting the sender and to never share personal banking details.
