NEW BOGUS TAXI SCAM: Fraudsters using fake roof signs to steal thousands

A sophisticated scam involving fake taxi roof signs has emerged in Canada, conning victims out of thousands of pounds. Fraudsters are using easily obtainable roof signs, available on platforms like Amazon, to pose as legitimate taxi drivers.

Once the fake sign is lit up, victims are lured into these bogus taxis, only to be swindled out of their bank cards. Scammers insist that passengers pay via debit card, using tampered payment terminals to collect card details and PINs.

Recently in Canada, the Sarnia Police Service investigated two such incidents involving a black sedan. In the first case, a victim was asked to cover a small fare for a child’s ride. However, after inserting his debit card into the driver’s terminal, he later discovered over £2,200 in fraudulent charges on his account.

The second incident involved a victim being approached by two men who claimed the driver did not accept cash. They requested assistance in paying the fare, but once again, the card details were used to make substantial unauthorised purchases.

The fraudulent signs, easily available online for as little as £16, are simple to set up, often powered through the car’s cigarette lighter. This scam highlights the ease with which criminals can pass as genuine cab drivers, making it harder for people to differentiate between legitimate services and fraudulent schemes.

Police in Canada are urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid paying by debit card if in doubt in such situations. As yet, there are no reports of the scam making its way to the UK.