The Canadian Bazaar
TORONTO: Fake taxis are plying on GTA roads and their fake drivers are fleecing passengers by committing debit card frauds.
According to Toronto Police, it has been reported since October that:
– a vehicle resembling a taxi parks in a high-traffic area
– the vehicle has two person. one person poses as the taxi driver and the other person poses as a customer
– the two pretend to have a loud argument and the taxi driver refuses to take cash due
to COVID-19
– a good Samaritan overhears the argument and offers to help by offering to pay with their own debit card in exchange for cash
– the good Samaritan inputs the PIN number for their debit card into the modified machine. The terminal then records the card data and PIN number
– after the transaction goes through, the good Samaritan is given another bank card resembling their own card and accepts cash from the fake taxi customer
– the fake customer and taxi driver are then in possession of the actual debit card and use the PIN number to make a number of fraudulent purchases and withdrawals
The police have alerted the public about the following:
– be aware of this fraud scam
– keep your card in your possession
– do not give your card to anyone and do not return a point of sale terminal with your card still inserted
– inspect your card after each transaction and ensure it is your card
– cover your fingers when entering your PIN
Passengers in trouble can contact police at 416-808-4100, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
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