Two Brampton men are facing fraud-related charges after Peel Regional Police say they ran a “fake taxi” scam in shopping mall parking lots across Peel throughout 2024 and 2025, stealing victims’ debit cards and PINs before draining bank accounts at ATMs.
Investigators allege the scheme involved two suspects working together — one posing as a stranded passenger and the other pretending to be a taxi driver. Police say victims were approached and asked for help paying a taxi fare, with the suspect claiming the driver would only accept debit, not cash. When victims agreed and handed over their debit card, police allege the second suspect discreetly swapped the card for a stolen debit card from the same financial institution.
Peel police further allege the suspects used a point-of-sale terminal connected to a laptop to capture victims’ PINs, then immediately went to bank machines to withdraw money and commit additional fraud using the stolen cards. Investigators also say the pair frequently used stolen vehicles during the alleged offences.
A 22-year-old man was arrested on Oct. 9 and charged with eight counts of fraud under $5,000, five counts each of possession of property obtained by crime and use of a stolen credit card, as well as attempt to commit fraud.
A second suspect, 25, was arrested on Nov. 18 and is charged with nine counts of fraud under $5,000, four counts each of possession of property obtained by crime and use of a stolen credit card, along with dangerous driving and using a disguise with intent to use a stolen credit card.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Peel Regional Police at 905-453-3311, ext. 3335.