Calgary police warning of cab fare scam in downtown core

Calgary police are warning the public about an ongoing scam happening in the downtown core.

Police say there have been five reported cases where victims have noticed strange withdrawals from their bank accounts.

In each case, investigators say young male suspects ask victims to help them pay for a small cab far since the driver will not accept cash.

“The victims have then provided their debit card to the driver to pay on a point-of-sale machine in the car,” reads a post from Calgary Police Service (CPS). “Later, the victims would discover the card they were given back was not their card and that unauthorized withdrawals were made from their bank account.”

The vehicle involved in the scams is not believed to be a real cab, according to police.

CPS are out with the following tips for anyone who may be approached by the suspects:

• Be skeptical and ask questions
• Never give out your personal/financial information
• Never let your debit or credit card be out of view when paying. Always keep your card in your possession
• Keep your distance and be suspicious of a person staying overly close to a cardholder

Anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of a scam are being asked to contact police at 403-266-1234.