Fake taxi stealing credit and bank card information from people at malls, Ottawa police warn
Ottawa police are warning the public about a credit and bank card skimming scam involving a fake BlueLine taxi in the city.
Police have received several complaints this week from people being defrauded after using their personal credit or bank card to pay for a taxi fare.
Police say in all incidents, a suspect approaches the victim in a shopping mall parking lot asking them to pay for their cab fare, explaining that the driver does not accept cash because of COVID-19 regulations.
"If the victim accepts, he is then brought to the nearby taxicab to complete the transaction using their own credit/debit card," police said in a statement. "The suspect then pays the victim with cash for the transaction."
Police add that when completing the transaction, the driver switches the victim's credit/credit card for a false one and the PIN number is obtained surreptitiously.
"The victim’s card is then used to complete fraudulent transactions," said police. "In all reported incidents, a fake BlueLine taxi vehicle was utilized."
In a message on Twitter, BlueLine Taxi Ottawa said, "A fraudulent taxi is operating in Ottawa using a BlueLine sign with 121 on the top.
"This is not an authorized taxi! This vehicle is defrauding customers by asking for the (credit card payment) and swapping the CC without you being aware."
BlueLine taxi says if you see this taxi, contact Ottawa Police.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.