Hamilton police are urging the public to exercise caution after receiving several reports of a scam that’s taking place in the city.
The con involves two people and a fake taxi cab and preys upon the good nature of those willing to lend a hand.
Authorities say that one of the fraudsters will pose as a customer while the other masquerades as a cab driver, and the two will stage an argue over payment.
The driver will refuse to take cash, and the passenger will seemingly be forced to try to involve a bystander who can help.
“A passerby, acting as a good Samaritan, is approached and asked to assist by using their own debit card to pay the fare in exchange for cash,” police say.
Once the duo gets hold of the victim’s debit card and enters their PIN, the point-of-sale terminal records their password and jeopardizes their account.
After the victim enters their password, the scammers will return a similar-looking debit card and proceed to make multiple fraudulent purchases using the victim’s account.
Police say the public should take the following steps to avoid getting ripped off themselves:
- Never let anyone use your debit card;
- Never return a debit machine with your card still in it;
- Never make a payment with your personal card for someone you don’t know in exchange for cash;
- Always check your card after each transaction to verify it’s your own; and
- Cover your fingers when entering your PIN to prevent prying eyes from seeing your passcode.
Anyone who encounters the good Samaritan taxi scam is asked to contact investigators by calling 905-546-3840.