Halton residents warned of taxi scam where thieves pose as driver and customer

Halton police are warning residents of a fake taxi scam that has been happening in the region.

Police say the scam involves two thieves who pose as a taxi driver and a customer.

The person playing the role of the driver will refuse to accept cash from the fake customer for a fare.

The customer will then ask a passerby to use their debit card to pay the fare in exchange for cash.

The victim will subsequently get into the cab and use a point-of-sale machine.

“The debit card is swiped/inserted into the machine and the PIN number covertly obtained by the suspects,” said police in a news release. “The victim is then distracted by the suspect playing the role of customer, at which point the driver switches the debit card.”

The victim is handed back a different card and the scammers proceed to use the stolen card to withdraw money and make purchases.

Police say there have been three recent incidents in Oakville, however, the scam has been occurring across the province for some time.

Halton police have offered the following tips to help residents avoid these scams.

• Taxis DO and WILL accept cash
• Never give your debit/credit card to someone else
• When making a purchase attempt to conceal your PIN
• Be mindful of the point of sale machine when making a purchase and if you suspect it has been tampered with, choose another payment method

Anyone with information in connection with this scam is asked to contact the fraud intake line at 905-825-4777, ext. 8741.