Police are out with an update about an ongoing taxi scam targeting victims in downtown Calgary.
Calgary police revealed five reported cases last week where victims noticed strange withdrawals from their bank accounts after young male suspects asked them to help pay for a small cab fare when the driver would not accept cash.
Police now tell CityNews there have been 11 cases of people being robbed in a scam involving a fake cab.
In each case, victims either hop in the phoney cab and have their debit card switched out — or they’re approached by someone who needs help paying a cab driver.
The fake driver then skims the card and gives the victims back a different card.
Staff Sgt. Brad Moore says police have identified a Ford Fusion as a suspect vehicle, but warns people should be wary of any vehicle.
“The taxi sign that’s on top with the light bar could easily be removed and put on any vehicle,” he says. “If you didn’t call the cab, be very suspicious as to what this cab is doing.”
CPS are out with the following tips for anyone who may be approached by the suspects:
- Be skeptical and ask questions
- Never give out your personal/financial information
- Never let your debit or credit card be out of view when paying. Always keep your card in your possession
- Keep your distance and be suspicious of a person staying overly close to a cardholder
Anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of a scam are being asked to contact police at 403-266-1234.