Police are looking for a group of suspects from Ontario following an investigation into a series of taxi frauds in Calgary last summer.
Calgary police began investigating in July 2024 after getting 19 reports of taxi frauds over a five day period that appeared to be committed by the same people.
Investigators say one of the suspects would approach strangers and pretend to be someone trying to pay for a cab ride. The suspect would allegedly ask the stranger to pay by the driver with a bank card, claiming they would not accept cash, and in turn would offer the victim cash to refund them.
It is alleged the suspect driver would give the victims a point-of-sale terminal and say the tap function was not working. The victim would insert their card and enter their PIN, which was captured by suspects on a skimming device.
Its further alleged the suspects would swap out the victims’ bank card with a stolen card. The suspects would then use the victims’ cards to withdraw cash from ATMS or buy prepaid gift cards.
In some cases, police say the suspect driver would accept fares from victims and then use the same scam to take their bank card. Police say the suspects involved were not licensed Calgary taxi drivers.
Following an investigation, it was determined similar scams had happened in Edmonton, Toronto, and Metro Vancouver. Four suspects are wanted on 64 charges in connection with 18 incidents that resulted in 16 people losing more than $28,000.
Police now believe the suspects live in Ontario and have released photos of the four wanted on Alberta-wide warrants.
Anyone with further information is being asked to call police at 403-266-1234, or submit tips anonymously to CrimeStoppers.
Tips from police to protect against ride share scams
Whether you’re taking a taxi or using a ride-booking app, it’s important to stay alert and protect your payment information:
Before-you-get-in safety tips:
Confirm the vehicle is legitimate. Look for a taxi plate, company markings or match the vehicle details in your app.
If something feels off, trust your instincts and don’t get in.
Payment tips:
Never hand over your card and always keep it in your possession.
Use secure mobile payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay, which offer extra encryption and protection.
Always confirm the fare and payment method before the ride begins.
Ride-booking apps typically include payment in the booking – you should not be asked to pay in cash.
Most traditional taxis do accept cash, but always confirm the fare payment method before the ride begins.
Be skeptical and ask questions.
Never let your payment card be out of view when paying; always keep it in your possession.
Keep your distance and be suspicious of a person staying overly close to a cardholder.
If you have a suspicious interaction, contact police and your bank.