Victims had debit cards stolen in fake taxi scam, Sudbury police say

The driver of the vehicle is described as a man around 30 years old, with a small build, black hair, brown eyes and scruffy facial hair. (Sudbury Police photo)

Sudbury police are looking for two suspects behind multiple fraud incidents between July 20 and 27 in which victims had their debit cards stolen.

“There have been multiple fraud incidents reported in northern Ontario involving what is believed to be the same vehicle, a grey Hyundai sedan and the same individuals,” police said in a news release Thursday.

“In each incident, the … driver impersonates a taxi or ride share service. The passenger exits the vehicle and approaches bystanders indicating that the driver only accepts debit and will compensate the bystander with cash if they will pay for the fare with a debit card.”

At that point, the driver provides the victim with a debit machine, steals their PIN information and swaps their debit card for a fake.

“The individuals subsequently use the stolen card and PIN to make purchases or money withdrawals,” police said.

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The driver of the vehicle is described as a man around 30 years old, with a small build, black hair, brown eyes and scruffy facial hair.

The passenger is a male described as around 16 years old, who is black with a lighter complexion, around 5-foot-8 and a heavier stature.

Anyone with information related to the identity of those involved in the scam is asked to contact police at 705-675-9171.