Brampton man charged in taxi debit card fraud investigation

Published August 6, 2020 at 7:56 pm

A Brampton man is facing charges in connection with a taxicab fraud investigation, police say. 

A Brampton man is facing charges in connection with a taxicab fraud investigation, police say. 

Toronto police say officers launched an investigation into debit fraud in taxicabs in the fall of 2015. According to police, the investigation focused on taxi customers who had their debit cards “switched” after having paid their taxi fare. As for how the scam worked, police say the taxi driver would switch the customer’s card for one that resembled the original and use the customer’s card to withdraw funds, purchase retail merchandise and empty bank accounts. 

On Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020, officers were conducting an investigation into such frauds when a man was allegedly observed taking the debit card from a customer in the Queen Street West and Yonge Street area.

Police allege that officers seized counterfeit identification, debit cards and a 2015 red Nissan Sentra in connection with the investigation.

Police say 21-year-old Brampton man Harjoban Nahal was arrested and charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, failing to stop for police, possession of credit cards obtained by crime, possession of counterfeit money and other fraud-related offences. 

He appeared in court on Aug. 6. 

Police are concerned there may be other victims.

“Police would like to remind the public to be vigilant when using debit cards at ‘Point of Sale’ taxi cab transactions. Always maintain possession of your card and ensure you request a receipt,” police said in a news release. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200.

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