NEWS RELEASE
WATERLOO REGIONAL POLICE
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Waterloo Regional Police Service have arrested and charged a male in connection to a taxi fraud scam in Cambridge.
On June 29, 2024, at approximately 9:45 p.m., police responded to a parking lot on Hespeler Road near Sheldon Drive for reports of a taxi fraud scam incident in progress.
Officers attended and arrested a male.
As a result of the investigation, a 34-year-old Toronto male was charged with:
- Fraud Under $5,000
- Theft of Credit Card
- Breach of Probation
The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are anticipated.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 6370.
Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
What is the taxi fraud scam?
During the taxi fraud scam, a fake passenger approaches the potential victim claiming the taxi driver won't accept cash as payment for a fare and asks if the victim can use their own debit card or credit card to pay the fare, with the fraudster offering to reimburse them in cash.
The fake driver swaps the victim's real card for a fake one, which is then returned to the victim.
Once the victim is gone, the scammers then use the stolen debit or credit card and PIN to withdraw funds from the victim's account.
How can you protect yourself?
- Do not leave your debit or credit card unattended inside a point-of-sale terminal.
- Do not make payments for an unknown person using your personal card in exchange for cash.
- Inspect your card after each transaction and ensure it is your card.
- Shield the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Notify your bank immediately if you believe your bank card or pin has been compromised.
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