Winnipeg police issue warning regarding fake taxi scam

Police in Winnipeg are warning the public of a new scam that’s being seen around the city.

The WPS says it’s received reports of a scam involving fake taxis, which have resulted in people having their bank accounts drained.

It is believed vehicles are being equipped with a fake TAXI sign on their roof, and they’ll roam in high-traffic areas like mall parking lots.

From there, an individual will exit the vehicle pretending to be a passenger and will walk up to a bystander and ask them if they can help pay their cab fare with their debit card in exchange for cash as the “cab” doesn’t accept cash.

“Once the victim’s card is acquired, surreptitious skimming techniques are used to withdraw far more money than the alleged fare amount,” read a statement from Winnipeg police.

The WPS says it’s working with the part of the City of Winnipeg that oversees vehicles for hire — like taxi companies — to create awareness of this type of crime.

In doing so, police say all Winnipeggers should be aware of the following information regarding taxi services.

• All licensed taxis have a legitimate name decal on their doors (Duffy’s, Unicity, Blueline) as well as a three-digit taxi identification number both inside and outside the vehicle
• All taxi companies accept cash
• Do not allow strangers to borrow your debit/credit card, even with the promise of cash in return
• Debit and credit cards can easily be used in scams where your PIN is surreptitiously acquired and repeatedly used without your knowledge
• Report any suspicious transactions to the police and/or 311

Anyone who has been a victim of fraud can report the crime online.