A scam that’s become common in Toronto and Montréal is expanding into cities across the country, thanks to a $35 generic taxi sign that anyone can buy off Amazon.
Driving the news: According to the CBC, Toronto police say that since June 2023, they’ve received 919 reports of the taxi scam, totalling $1.7 million in losses. Perpetrators use the sign to lure passengers into their cars and steal their debit cards while they make a payment.
- The driver records a passenger's PIN and swaps their debit card with a fake one. They then head straight to an ATM to make a withdrawal as large as $2,000.
Why it matters: The risk of being scammed during routine trips is growing, and city police services have made little progress in tracking down suspects. It’s not just fake taxis stealing debit card information. Registered cabs are increasingly involved in these scams as well.
Big picture: Amazon maintains it’s not breaking any rules by selling the signs. Even for illicit products, removing listings can be a slow process. Earlier this year, a switchblade marketed as a camping knife rocketed to Amazon “#1 Best Seller” status before it was removed.—LA