Kingston Police warn public of ‘taxi scam’

Kingston Police would once again like to warn the public of a taxi scam where suspects steal victims’ bank cards.

On October 27, 2024, at approximately 1:00 a.m. to 1:40 a.m. a “fake” taxi was setup out front of the Queen’s ARC on Earl Street at Aberdeen Street. At least two Queen’s students were separately targeted when asked to pay for someone else’s fair with their debit card in exchange for cash. Later that day both found their debit cards had been switched and unauthorized charges had been made at an ATM.

The suspect vehicle is described as a silver sedan with an orange light on top. The driver of the vehicle is described as an East Indian male who was accompanied by a Caucasian male in his mid 20’s.

Investigators allege the scams would occur when an unsuspecting victim would walk by a taxi and be approached by someone pretending to be a fare. The scammer would tell the victim that the taxi doesn’t accept cash, offering the victim cash in exchange for using their debit or credit card.

The taxi operator, who police allege is part of the scam, would use the victim’s card and then swap it out for a similar looking card.

The scammers would then leave the area and go on to make withdrawals and purchases with the victim’s card.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by this type of scam is asked to please contact D/Cst. Walker via email at swalker@kingstonpolice.ca.