Four Ontario Men Wanted in Multi-City $28,000 Taxi Fraud Scheme

Four men from Ontario face 64 charges related to an organized taxi fraud scheme in Calgary that defrauded 16 victims of over $28,000. The suspects used two main tactics: posing as passengers needing someone to pay their fare with a credit or debit card, offering cash in return, and operating as fake taxi drivers accepting fares while using skimming devices to capture card information and PINs. They allegedly swapped victims' cards with stolen ones and used the cards to withdraw cash or buy prepaid and gift cards. Investigations revealed similar scams occurred in Edmonton, Toronto, and Metro Vancouver, and the suspects are believed to have left Alberta but remain in Ontario. None of the accused were licensed taxi drivers in Calgary, and police warn the public to verify ride legitimacy and protect payment information. Authorities have issued Alberta-wide warrants and are seeking public assistance with tips.