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
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Woman, 18, killed by co-worker's vehicle on Highway 1 in Moose Jaw
Moose Jaw police say an 18-year-old woman who was at work has died from injuries she sustained in a collision with a vehicle being driven by her co-worker last Thursday.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
MPs to vote on NDP motion calling on Canada to recognize Palestinian statehood
Members of Parliament will vote Monday on a motion from the federal New Democrats, calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine,' among a range of other calls to action in regards to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.