NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE SERVICE
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South Simcoe Police Service would like to make the public aware of a current scam circulating in our communities.
How the scam works:
An unsuspecting victim is approached by someone pretending to pay for a taxi ride. The scammer will claim that the taxi does not accept cash and offer the victim cash in exchange for using their debit or credit card. The taxi operator, who is also involved in the scam, will then use the victim’s card and replace it with a similar-looking one. The scammers then leave and use the victim’s card for unauthorized withdrawals and purchases.
Similar scams have been reported in other municipalities across the province.
How to protect yourself:
- Do not agree to use your debit or credit card to pay for someone else’s transaction, even if you are offered compensation
- Regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for suspicious activity
- Always hide your PIN when making purchases, use one that is difficult to guess, and do not share your PIN with anyone
- Remain alert and aware of your surroundings
Report fraud to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit their website to learn more about the latest scams and how to protect yourself at AntiFraudCentre.ca.
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