Taxi scam returns to Ottawa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 17, 2026     3:32 p.m.

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service is warning residents that a card skimming fraud involving illegitimate taxis has returned to Ottawa and may be linked to similar incidents reported in other jurisdictions.

In these incidents, individuals posing as taxi drivers pick up passengers and request payment by debit or credit card using a point‑of‑sale terminal. During the transaction, the suspects are able to observe and record the victim’s PIN and then switch the victim’s bank card with a fraudulent card. The stolen card is later used to withdraw funds or make unauthorized purchases.

The scam often involves an accomplice posing as a passenger. The accomplice approaches passersby and asks for assistance paying for a taxi ride, claiming that the driver does not accept cash and that their payment card is not working. The accomplice offers cash to the passerby, who then uses their own debit or credit card to pay the fare. During this transaction, the driver switches the legitimate card for a fake card and captures the PIN. The suspects then withdraw as much cash as possible from the compromised account.

The suspects may be using a dark-coloured Mazda sedan. They may also be using a white Kia sedan.

The vehicle may appear legitimate, including the possible use of an orange taxi sign on the roof of the vehicle.

The suspects are described as:

1. Male, Middle Eastern appearance, short dark hair, well-trimmed beard
2. Male, Middle Eastern appearance, light complexion, shoulder-length hair, no facial hair, approximately 5’9”, slim build, last seen wearing a black coat with a fur-trimmed hood

Residents are reminded to take precautions when using taxi services:

• Only use licensed taxis or reputable ride services
• Ensure the vehicle has proper identification and markings
• Do not allow anyone else to handle your bank card
• Shield your PIN when entering it into a payment terminal
• If possible, use cash or a trusted app-based payment method
• Cash is always an acceptable payment option for taxis

If you believe you have been a victim of this fraud, contact your financial institution immediately, and report the incident to police.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Fraud Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 7300, or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.

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Tel: 613-236-1222, ext.  5366

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