Police warning of taxi scam from Pickering to Oshawa

Durham Police is warning of a distraction scam involving taxis and ride shares that have left victims with a fake credit/debit card and a drained bank account.

Police say a person will approach you in a parking lot and say their cab won’t take cash and they don’t have a debit/credit card. They will bring you to the taxi and ask you to pay using your credit/debit card, and in return they will give you the cash. The cab driver will then switch your debit/credit card for a false one while you’re distracted, having recorded your pin and taken your real card. The scammers will then immediately drain you bank account.

Anyone who encounters this type of scam is advised to record all interactions and make a police report. “Knowledge is the key to staying safe and in control. Spreading this information to loved ones and friends is your number one tool for prevention and safety.”

DRPS has compiled a list of common scams that can be viewed at http://drps.ca If you believe you or a family member are the victim of a scam contact Durham Police or your local police service.