TORONTO – A taxi scam targeting people across Toronto is gaining attention online after one woman shared her story in a viral TikTok. User @sajakilani shared how she was scammed in the Yorkville and Bay area after she was approached by a teenager asking her to pay for their taxi fare.
She says that the kid asked her to pay for the cab, saying that he had the cash to pay for the ride but the driver would only take a card. She says he even gave her the cash.
The woman then spoke with the driver, who confirmed the teenager’s story. The TikToker says she used her card to pay but then noticed that the card that was returned to her belonged to someone else.
She then confronted the driver, who she said had hidden her card between his legs. The driver then began to laugh, saying that it was just a prank, and returned her card. After lecturing the driver, the woman begins to videotape both the driver and the teenager, who had gotten back into the vehicle. The video can be seen at the end of the TikTok.
Taxi Scam: Toronto Police Offer Safety Tips
The Brandon Gonez Show reached out to Toronto Police to find out more about the ongoing taxi scam.
“The Toronto Police Service would like to remind the public to be vigilant when using any type of public transport that results in debit or credit card transactions,” Toronto Police Service said in a statement.
They also provided some tips for the general public to avoid falling victim to this scam, including:
- Do not leave your debit or credit card unattended inside a Point of Sale terminal anywhere or at any time
- Be aware of taxi numbers and company names when using their services
- Be aware of the driver’s identification that is displayed to the customer in clear view in the rear of the cab
- 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
- Cover your fingers when entering your PIN
Taxi Scam: Toronto Reacts
Some people shared that this scam has been an ongoing problem in Toronto and throughout the GTA.
“This has been happening in the GTA since time! Don’t forget those convenience stores with their fake debit machines!” posted one viewer.
“This has been happening since last year. All over the GTA,” said another.
While others shared that they had also been victimized by these scammers.
“This happened to me on King west 3 years ago. I was drunk so I didn’t notice until the next morning that when I processed the payment he took the machine from me to grab the receipt and switched the cards around then. They then tried to take $2000 from my chequing account but jokes on them I’m broke,” posted one person on Instagram.
“Yup I’ve had this happen not with the child but they gave me back someone else’s card and cleaned out my account. Never taking a cab again,” said another.
“This happened to me! I logged into my app, and noticed that the transaction didn’t post right away. Immediately I knew something was off. Looked at the card and saw it wasn’t mine! Locked my card right away! Thankful they weren’t able to touch my money,” said a third.
Have you heard of this scam? Or have you been targeted yourself? Let us know in the comments!
