Beware of the “taxi scam”
In the past week, four victims have fallen prey to what is known as the 'taxi scam.' Here’s how it works:
- Someone pretending to be a taxi passenger approaches you and claims that the driver won’t accept a debit card as payment for their ride.
- The supposed passenger asks you to give the driver your own card, promising to give you cash in return.
- The supposed driver, who is also a scammer, steals your card after you’ve typed in your PIN, and hands back a fake card.
- One recent victim from the Ezra Avenue area in Waterloo lost almost $1,000 from their bank account.
Tips to keep yourself safe
To protect yourself from this kind of scam, the Waterloo Regional Police have shared the following tips:
- Do not leave your debit or credit card unattended inside a point-of-sale terminal.
- Be aware of taxi numbers and company names when using their services.
- If there is an error code or the debit machine is not functioning, always remove your debit card before returning the machine for assistance.
- Do not make payments for an unknown person using your personal card in exchange for cash.
- Inspect your card after each transaction and ensure it is your card.
- Shield the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Use contactless payment options, such as tap to pay, whenever possible, because no PIN is required for contactless payments.
What to do if you are a victim:
It is important to note that reporting a crime (whether it be the taxi scam or phone or cyber one) will not impact on your academic standing at the University of Waterloo or your Canadian visa.
- Contact your bank: Immediately contact your bank to block the card and report the fraudulent transaction.
- Contact Waterloo Regional Police Services’ non-emergency line (519-570-9777) or online portal to file a report about the fraud. This can be useful in the investigation process.
- Contact our International Student Supports Specialist for additional support and resources.
Please share this information with your friends and peers to ensure everyone is aware and prepared.
