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Credit Card Scammers Hit Again

Tuesday, 10 December 2024 17:05

By Geoff Waterfield

NRP say two suspects got someone's credit card over the weekend, claiming it was needed for taxi fare

An update from police concerning a credit card scam in St. Catharines back in September.

They say it happened again, on Saturday, in the Welland, Pelham, Fonthill area, in which a victim was approached by a man and woman, the woman claiming the $10 bill in her hand wasn't acceptable for a taxi ride they just had.

The suspects asked to use the victim's credit card, to which the victim agreed to help, noticing there was a blue 4-door car nearby, with a blue light on top, believed to be a taxi.

The victim was directed to input the card into a card reader in the car, which police believe had a skimming device or card reader.

The woman suspect distracted the victim, at which time the man switched the credit card with a fake.

The victim left, not knowing what happened, but soon after the suspects made large unauthorized withdrawals from the victim's account.

Police are looking for:

Female Suspect:

  • White, approximately 20-25 years old
  • 5’2”
  • Medium build
  • Long dark hair
  • Wearing a black puffy winter coat

Male Suspect:

  • Brown, approximately 25-30 years old
  • Very thin build
  • Wearing a blue t-shirt

Suspect Vehicle Description:

  • Four-door sedan, possibly grey or silver in color
  • Blue light on the roof, resembling a taxicab

To protect yourself from falling victim to this scam, the Niagara Regional Police Service offers the following safety tips:

  • Never hand over your debit or credit card to someone you don't know, even if they offer cash in return.
  • Avoid entering your PIN for anyone else, regardless of the situation.
  • Be cautious of strangers who ask for help with payments, especially if they approach you with an urgent request.
  • Always double-check your card after any transaction to ensure it is yours.
  • Trust your instincts – if something feels off or too good to be true, walk away.
  • Report any suspicious activity to the police or your bank as soon as possible.

 

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