Card skimming scam involving taxis, Uber popping up in Ottawa

Police in the nation’s capital are warning the public about a debit and credit card skimming fraud that involves taxis and Uber.

According to the force’s Organized Fraud Unit, residents need to be “extra vigilant” when asked to pay for a service with a debit or credit card in exchange for money.

Several people have complained to police about being defrauded after assisting in paying for a taxi or an Uber fare for someone else.

In the incidents, a suspect approached the victim in a shopping mall parking lot asking them to pay for a cab fare, explaining the driver does not take cash, only card payments. If the victim accepts, they are brought to the taxicab to complete the transaction. The suspect then pays the victim with cash for the transaction.

“In completing the transaction, the driver switches the victim’s credit/debit card for a false one and the Personal Identification number (PIN) is obtained surreptitiously,” police said.

The victim’s card is then used to complete fraudulent transactions.

The Fraud Unit reminds people to: 

• Don’t accept to pay with your debit or credit card for someone else’s transaction even if you are offered monetary compensation, equivalent or superior to the original transaction amount.
• When making purchases, protect your PIN.
• Do not share your PIN with anyone.
• Choose a PIN that is not easy to guess – avoid birthdays and phone numbers, etc.
• Keep a close watch on your incoming bank and credit card statements.