VIDEO: Taxi scam and card-swap fraud has police searching for wanted man from Brampton

Toronto police are searching for a Brampton man allegedly involved in a taxi cab scam as police say there have been dozens of similar frauds totalling more than $40,000 in losses.

The scam is a two-person job, with one posing as a passenger and another pretending to be a taxi driver, according to the Toronto Police Service. The fake passenger then stops a potential victim, telling them the driver won’t accept cash as payment.

They then ask the victim to pay their cab fare using a  debit or credit card, giving them cash in return.

But police say that’s when the fake taxi driver uses a modified point-of-sale machine that records your personal identification number, giving the scammers access to your accounts.

The scammers then swap out the victim’s card for a fake one, allowing the scammers to make fraudulent withdraws or purchases.

Police say the scam could turn a $29 cab ride could turn into a $2,500 fraud.

Since June, police say there have been over 60 reports of varying taxi scams amounting to over $40,000 in losses. Police have also put out a video to educate and inform the public about the scam.

Investigators say they have identified one suspect connected to several of the alleged scams, and are searching for a 25-year-old man from Brampton.

Police say Steven Chambers, 25, of Brampton is wanted for multiple offences including fraud over $5,000, attempted fraud under $5,000, three counts of assault and two counts of fail to comply with release order.

Toronto police are also warning members of the public to be aware of this scam and take steps to avoid becoming a victim:

• Do not leave your debit or credit card unattended inside a point of sale terminal
• 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
• If there is an error code, or the debit machine is not functioning, always remove your debit card before returning the machine for assistance
• 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

Anyone with information on these alleged frauds is asked to contact the Toronto Police Service at 416-808-7305 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or at www.222tips.com.