THUNDER BAY -- Thunder Bay Police say phony tele-marketers are targeting city residents with schemes that try to get people to buy gift cards.
Police issued a news release Monday saying they have received numerous complaints about fraudsters requesting payment for a variety of purposes.
In one of the more popular extortion scams, the caller attempts to instill panic in the victim by aggressively demanding money and saying that police will be contacted unless a payment is made.
He gives his target an opportunity to clear his "debt" by purchasing an iTunes, Steam or other gift cards, and provides the caller with the code on the card so that it can be sold or redeemed.
A police spokesperson said residents should hang up the phone if they suspect criminal activity, and if necessary get in touch with the agency the caller purports to represent.
