The Ottawa Police Service has issued a public warning about the resurgence of a sophisticated card-skimming fraud scheme involving illegitimate taxis operating in the city. According to a March 17 advisory, this criminal activity targets unsuspecting passengers by compromising their debit and credit card information during seemingly routine taxi rides.
How the Elaborate Scam Operates
Police detailed that individuals posing as taxi drivers pick up passengers and specifically request payment through debit or credit cards using point-of-sale terminals. During these transactions, the suspects carefully observe and record the victim's personal identification number (PIN). Subsequently, they switch the legitimate bank card with a fraudulent replica while returning what appears to be the original card to the passenger.
Accomplice Involvement Adds Complexity
This fraudulent operation often involves an accomplice who poses as another passenger. The accomplice approaches potential victims on the street, claiming the taxi driver doesn't accept cash and that their own payment card isn't functioning properly. They offer cash to the passerby in exchange for using their debit or credit card to pay the fare. Once the transaction occurs, the driver executes the card swap while capturing the PIN, enabling later unauthorized withdrawals from the compromised account.
Suspect Descriptions and Vehicle Details
Ottawa police have provided specific descriptions of two male suspects believed to be involved in these incidents. The first is described as having a Middle Eastern appearance with short dark hair and a well-trimmed beard. The second suspect also has a Middle Eastern appearance with a light complexion, shoulder-length hair, no facial hair, standing approximately five feet nine inches tall with a slim build, and was last seen wearing a black coat with a fur-trimmed hood.
The vehicles used in these scams may include a dark-coloured Mazda sedan or a white Kia sedan. Police noted these vehicles often appear legitimate, sometimes featuring orange taxi signs on the roof to enhance their deceptive appearance.
Protective Measures for Taxi Users
Ottawa Police have outlined several precautionary measures for residents and visitors using taxi services:
- Only utilize licensed taxis or reputable ride-sharing services with proper identification
- Verify that the vehicle displays appropriate markings and identification
- Never allow anyone else to handle your bank card during transactions
- Always shield your PIN when entering it into any payment terminal
- Consider using cash or trusted app-based payment methods when possible
- Remember that cash remains an acceptable payment option for all legitimate taxi services
Immediate Actions for Potential Victims
Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to this fraud should immediately contact their financial institution to secure their accounts. Additionally, victims should report the incident to the Ottawa Police Service Fraud Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 7300. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through their online portal at crimestoppers.ca.
Police emphasized that this scam may be connected to similar incidents occurring in other communities, highlighting the importance of vigilance and awareness among the public when using transportation services that require payment card transactions.
