Hamilton Police are alerting the community of the Good Samaritan taxi scam, which has resurfaced in Hamilton. The Financial Crimes Unit has received multiple reports of this fraudulent scheme, and the public is urged to remain vigilant.

In this scam, two suspects use a vehicle resembling a taxi and park it in high-traffic areas. One suspect acts as the taxi driver while the other poses as a customer. The suspects stage an argument, with the "taxi driver" refusing to accept cash due to alleged protocols. A passerby, acting as a Good Samaritan, is approached and asked to assist by using their own debit card to pay the fare in exchange for cash.

When the victim enters their PIN into a modified Point of Sale (POS) terminal, the terminal records their card data and PIN. After the transaction, the victim is handed another bank card, resembling their own, while the suspects retain the victim’s actual debit card. Armed with the PIN, the scammers then use the card to make fraudulent transactions. In return for their "help," the victim is usually given a $10 bill.

Protect Yourself:

Hamilton Police offer the following tips to help you avoid falling victim to this type of scam:

• Do not give your card to anyone: Always keep your card in your possession.
• Do not return a POS terminal with your card still inserted: Make sure you remove your card after completing a transaction.
• Do not make a payment for an unknown person using your personal card in exchange for cash: Be cautious of any such requests from strangers.
• Inspect your card after each transaction to ensure it is your own: Verify that the card you get back is indeed yours.
• Cover your fingers when entering your PIN: Shield the keypad to prevent others from seeing your PIN.

Report Information:

If you have any information that could assist Hamilton Police in any investigations into these types of crimes, please contact the Hamilton Police Financial Crimes Unit at 905-546-3840.

To provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com.

Stay Informed:
For updates and more information about this and other scams, follow Hamilton Police on social media channels or visit our website.

On June 19, 2019, a Blue-Line Taxi driver called the police to report his 2011 Ford Crown Victoria had been stolen from the parking lot of 1952 King Street East in Hamilton between June 18, 2019, 8:30 p.m. and June 19, 2019, 10:00 a.m.

Around 8:00 p.m. on June 19, 2019, the taxi driver was in the area of Parkdale Avenue and Central Avenue when he observed his stolen vehicle driving through a survey. The owner located the vehicle stopped in front of an address on Reid Avenue and called Police for assistance.

Upon arrival, police found a male sitting in the driver’s seat of the stolen auto and he was placed under arrest for possession of the stolen property. During the investigation, there was evidence to charge the driver with impaired operation by drug. A search located drug paraphernal and a quantity of crystal meth.

The male was charged and held in custody with his bail opposed.

Charged:

Michael Lipsett (27-years-old) Hamilton resident

Charges:

• Operation while impaired (drug)
• Possession Under $5000
• Breach of Recognizance
• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Driving while under suspension

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com__