Just when you think you’ve heard all the taxi fraud scams. Here’s another and it involves COVID-19 as well.

Toronto Police officers from Downtown’s 52 Division are warning cab users of the latest taxi scam to be reported.

Police in a November 10 press release writes the scam involves a fake taxi that is parked in a high-traffic area.

“One suspect poses as the taxi driver and another suspect poses as a customer,” detectives say. “The two suspects pretend to have a loud argument where the driver refuses to take cash due to COVID-19.”

A member of the public 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, according to police.

The victim then inputs the PIN number for their debit card into the modified Point of Sale terminal, which police say, records their card data and PIN number.

“After the transaction is successful, the victim is given another bank card resembling their own card and accepts cash from the one suspect before leaving,” states the press release.

Police say the “suspects are then in possession of the victim’s debit card and use the PIN number to make a number of fraudulent purchases or withdrawals.”
Detectives believe there are others operating similar scams as well as further victims. Anyone who has any information, or believes they have been a victim of a taxi scam, is urged to contact police.

The public is being reminded to be vigilant when using any type of public transport that results in debit or credit card transactions.
Officers warn not to leave your debit or credit card unattended inside a Point of Sale terminal anywhere or at any time and be aware of taxi numbers and company names when using their services.

Taxi users should also remember the driver’s identification that is displayed in clear view in the rear of the cab and do not make payments for an unknown person, using your personal card, in exchange for cash.

They should also inspect their card after each transaction to ensure it is theirs and cover their fingers when entering a PIN.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.