Winnipeg police are warning residents about a new scam involving fraudsters posing as taxi operators to skim bank cards and drain victims’ accounts.
Vehicles with fake taxi signs have been spotted in high-traffic areas like mall parking lots, where scammers posing as passengers approach bystanders for help paying a fare, claiming the taxi does not accept cash.
Victims are asked to use their debit cards to pay the fare in exchange for cash, but once their cards are handed over, scammers use skimming devices to steal significantly more money than the supposed fare.
Authorities are urging the public to be cautious and remember that all licensed taxis in Winnipeg display official decals with names like Duffy’s, Unicity, or Blueline, and a three-digit ID number inside and outside the vehicle. Legitimate taxis also accept cash payments.
Police advise never to lend your debit or credit card to strangers and to report any suspicious activity to police or call 311.
