A new and bizarre scam has emerged with fraudsters posing as municipal candidates.

Thunder Bay Police say one victim was defrauded of several hundred dollars after they were contacted via email of someone impersonating a mayoral candidate. The scammer then requested gift cards to provide to their campaign staff and volunteers.

Police are asking to public to be aware as the scam may be using multiple means, such as telephone and email, to reach would-be victims.

The Thunder Bay Police Service would like to remind residents to be skeptical of any unsolicited phone calls, emails, or home visits by any organization, financial or government institution. This includes people claiming to be running for public office or people claiming to be staff or volunteers of municipal candidates.

You have the right to hang up the phone, delete emails, or close your door.

If you believe the caller may be legitimate, find the contact information of the company, institution or campaign they purport to be associated with independently. Then contact them on your own terms to follow-up on their claims.

Never use the contact information provided to you by the suspected fraudster.