Hamilton Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a female suspect involved in a distraction theft that left a community member victimized after attempting to help someone in need.

On February 11, 2026, at approximately 11:00 p.m., a Hamilton resident was walking home when they were approached by a female who requested help paying for her cab fare. The woman told the victim that her debit card was not working and that the driver would not accept cash.

Wanting to assist, the victim accompanied the woman to what appeared to be a waiting cab. During the interaction, the victim attempted to pay using their debit card. Shortly after the transaction, the victim was given back a debit card which they later discovered did not belong to them.

When the victim returned home, they discovered several unauthorized transactions had been made from their bank account.

Hamilton Police have since obtained surveillance video from a location where the victim’s debit card was later used.

Investigators believe the incident involved two suspects, including the female who approached the victim and a male believed to have been operating the vehicle.

Female Suspect Description:

• Brown-skinned female
• 20–30 years old
• Approximately 5’2”–5’5”
• Larger than average build
• Black wavy hair
• Wearing a black puffer jacket
• Seen with a vape

Male Suspect Description:

• Brown-skinned male
• 20–30 years old
• Black hair and black beard
• Slim build
• Wearing a grey or dark-coloured sweatsuit

The vehicle involved was described as a black four-door sedan.

Investigators are releasing images of the female suspect in hopes that someone in the community may recognize her.

While this incident remains under investigation, police are reminding residents that criminals sometimes exploit a person’s kindness to create opportunities for theft. Hamilton Police encourage residents to remain cautious when asked to assist strangers with financial transactions and to avoid sharing banking cards or PIN information.

Anyone with information that may assist police in this investigation is asked to contact Division 10 Detectives at (905) 546-3833 or to provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com.