People offering to pay other people’s fares with debit in exchange for cash from taxi customers and drivers in Toronto are being scammed, police have warned.
Another warning about the scam, which police previously warned was happening in the city’s west end in November, has been issued.
Police said the scam includes a vehicle resembling a taxi parking in a high-traffic area. One person acts as a taxi driver, and the other acts like a customer, police said, with the driver refusing to take cash from the customer due to COVID-19.
Someone who overhears or is approached offers to help by paying the fare with their debit card and taking the cash refused by the driver. When the person uses their debit card and inputs their PIN, the machine records the card data and PIN number and they are given back another card resembling their own instead.
The person’s card is then used to make fraudulent purchases and withdrawals.
Police want people to be aware of the scam, and the following tips:
• Don’t give your debit or credit card to anyone during a transaction or return a machine with your card still inside, always pay attention to and keep an eye on your card.
• Inspect your debit or credit card to ensure it’s your card that has been returned after each transaction.
• Block your hand so nobody can watch you enter your PIN.
• Be aware of taxi numbers and…
