Hamilton police warn ‘Good Samaritan’ scam is here

Hamilton police are warning the public about a Good Samaritan" scam involving a ruse of a customer arguing with a fake taxi driver over fare payment.

The scam has been prevalent in the Greater Toronto Area over the last several months and Hamilton's major crime unit says it has now made its way to this city.

This is how the scam works:

There are two suspects - one plays the part of the taxi customer and the other the driver, police said. The taxi is parked in a high-traffic area and the pair pretend to have a loud argument over the driver's refusal to take cash payment due to COVID-19.

Then a random person is approached and asked to help by paying with their debit card in exchange for cash. When the Good Samaritan inputs their PIN number, the modified point-of-sale terminal records their card data and PIN number.

Now the suspects have the victim's debit card to make fraudulent purchases, police said.

The unsuspecting victim is usually given $10 for their help.

Police warn the public to: never give their card to anyone; never hand a point-of-sale terminal back to someone with your card still inserted; never make payments to a stranger in exchange for cash; inspect your card after each transaction; and cover your fingers when entering your PIN.

Anyone with information that could help the major crime unit investigation is asked to call acting Det. Sgt. Rob Hardy at 905-546-3841.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.

Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for The Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com