Public Safety Alert, Taxi Scam

 

Public Safety Alert,
Taxi Scam

Broadcast time: 12:17
Date: Friday, March 11, 2022
Unit: 51 Division
Phone: 416-808-5100
Case #: N/A

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an ongoing taxi scam investigation.

It is reported that:
- a vehicle resembling a taxi is parked in a high traffic area
- one suspect poses as the taxi driver and another poses as a customer
- the two suspects pretend to have a loud argument, with the taxi driver refusing to take cash due to COVID-19
- the unsuspecting victim, overhears the argument, and offers to help by letting the suspect use their debit card to pay for the cab fare in exchange for cash
- the victim enters the PIN number for their debit card into a modified point of sale terminal
- the device records the card data and PIN number
- after the transaction is successful, the victim is given another bank card that resembles their own, and the victim accepts the cash from one suspect before leaving
- the suspects are now in possession of the victim's debit card and use the PIN to make a number of fraudulent purchases and/or withdrawals


The Toronto Police Service would like to remind the public to be vigilant when using any type of public transport that results in debit or credit card transactions. Some tips include:

- do not leave your debit or credit card unattended inside a Point of Sale terminal anywhere or at any time
- be aware of taxi numbers and company names when using their services
- be aware of the driver's identification that is displayed to the customer in clear view in the rear of the cab
- do not make payments for an unknown person, using your personal card, in exchange for cash
- inspect your card after each transaction and ensure it is your card
- cover your fingers when entering your PIN

Anyone who has information, or believes they have been a victim of a taxi scam, is urged to contact police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca or listen to our podcast, 24 Shades of Blue with Obie & Ax.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Josh Seltzer, 51 Division