Five arrested in Halton “taxi scam” fraud investigation

Halton police say five people have been arrested for operating as part of an organized fraud ring. 

Investigators say the people in this group utilized fake taxi vehicles to set up the offences, typically in busy retail parking lots. 

Police said the group targeted good samaritans by utilizing a point of sale terminal and a sleight of hand technique in order to steal the victims’ debit or credit card and pin information. 

Investigators identified the fake taxi used in the most recent incidents as a silver 2007 Toyota Camry with a yellow “CIC Inc.” taxi roof sign. 

Police located and arrested the individuals on Dec. 8 in Toronto. 

Following the arrests, search warrants were executed at two separate Brampton residences. Police say they located and seized evidence relating to the frauds including dozens of stolen debit cards. 

The five men arrested were charged with multiple offences including fraud under $5000, unauthorized possession of credit card data and possession of property obtained by crime. 

Police are asking members of the community who have been victims of fraud to report the incidents to their local police.