Latest news with #DavidCoffey
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Yahoo
11 charged in Toronto taxi scam that allegedly defrauded customers of over $500K
Eleven people have been arrested and charged after a Toronto police investigation into a taxi scam that allegedly defrauded more than $500,000 from unsuspecting customers over 10 months. The 11, accused of being part of a criminal network that exploited members of the public, face 108 charges. At a news conference on Thursday, police said the investigation called Project Fare began last July after police received multiple reports by victims of the taxi scam. Initially, police identified 61 incidents of fraud, but that number quickly grew to more than 300. Det. David Coffey, spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service, told reporters that the suspects masqueraded as taxi drivers using vehicles that were modified to look like licensed cabs. Coffey said unsuspecting customers got into what they thought were legitimate taxi cabs only to find out that they were scammed after they paid their fares. "Unsuspecting victims were picked up and asked to pay for the ride using a credit or debit card. During the transaction, the suspects discreetly swapped the victim's card with a card that looked like theirs. The real card and their PIN is then passed on to accomplices," Coffey said. "These fraudsters used the stolen cards and PINs to withdraw funds from ATMs, deposit fraudulent checks to artificially inflate account balances and make high value purchases, including electronics, gift cards and luxury clothing." At the news conference, police displayed some of the items that the fraudsters purchased and that police seized during the investigation. On May 21, members of the police's financial crimes unit, with help from officers from various divisions, carried out three search warrants at addresses linked to the accused. Police made arrests and seized several point-of-sale terminals, high end clothing, electronics, artwork, several bank cards and vehicles resembling taxis. The suspects include 10 men and one woman from the Greater Toronto Area, ranging from 19 to 50 years old. The charges include fraud over $5,000 and possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000. Police said they are still looking for two male suspects and a female considered a person of interest in the case. News of arrests brings relief to cab company Kristine Hubbard, operations manager for Beck Taxi, said after the news conference that she is relieved that police have laid charges. "I'm just really relieved to know that this was taken seriously and that it's been dealt with," Hubbard said. "When someone defrauds or engages in criminal activity in the name of legitimate services, it's pretty heartbreaking and it's pretty defeating." Hubbard said she has advice for customers. "Nobody's saying no to cash. That's number one. And if someone has a point of sale terminal, it can't accept debit and not credit, right? So our debit terminals or point of sale terminals are clearly branded," she said. "They have the Beck branding on them and they take debit and credit. If somehow a massive cell outage happens, obviously that's affecting the whole city, that might be the case where there's no debit and no credit, but there's never one and not the other." Also, she said customers should never let their debit cards out of sight and it should not leave their hands. Customers should also look for a brand that they trust and look at vehicle numbers to identify legitimate taxis, she said.
CBC
15 hours ago
- CBC
11 charged in Toronto taxi scam that allegedly defrauded customers of over $500K
Eleven people have been arrested and charged after a Toronto police investigation into a taxi scam that allegedly defrauded more than $500,000 from unsuspecting customers over 10 months. The 11, accused of being part of a criminal network that exploited members of the public, face 108 charges. At a news conference on Thursday, police said the investigation called Project Fare began last July after police received multiple reports by victims of the taxi scam. Initially, police identified 61 incidents of fraud, but that number quickly grew to more than 300. Det. David Coffey, spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service, told reporters that the suspects masqueraded as taxi drivers using vehicles that were modified to look like licensed cabs. Coffey said unsuspecting customers got into what they thought were legitimate taxi cabs only to find out that they were scammed after they paid their fares. "Unsuspecting victims were picked up and asked to pay for the ride using a credit or debit card. During the transaction, the suspects discreetly swapped the victim's card with a card that looked like theirs. The real card and their PIN is then passed on to accomplices," Coffey said. "These fraudsters used the stolen cards and PINs to withdraw funds from ATMs, deposit fraudulent checks to artificially inflate account balances and make high value purchases, including electronics, gift cards and luxury clothing." At the news conference, police displayed some of the items that the fraudsters purchased and that police seized during the investigation. On May 21, members of the police's financial crimes unit, with help from officers from various divisions, carried out three search warrants at addresses linked to the accused. Police made arrests and seized several point-of-sale terminals, high end clothing, electronics, artwork, several bank cards and vehicles resembling taxis. The suspects include 10 men and one woman from the Greater Toronto Area, ranging from 19 to 50 years old. The charges include fraud over $5,000 and possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000. Police said they are still looking for two male suspects and a female considered a person of interest in the case. News of arrests brings relief to cab company Kristine Hubbard, operations manager for Beck Taxi, said after the news conference that she is relieved that police have laid charges. "I'm just really relieved to know that this was taken seriously and that it's been dealt with," Hubbard said. "When someone defrauds or engages in criminal activity in the name of legitimate services, it's pretty heartbreaking and it's pretty defeating." Hubbard said she has advice for customers. "Nobody's saying no to cash. That's number one. And if someone has a point of sale terminal, it can't accept debit and not credit, right? So our debit terminals or point of sale terminals are clearly branded," she said. "They have the Beck branding on them and they take debit and credit. If somehow a massive cell outage happens, obviously that's affecting the whole city, that might be the case where there's no debit and no credit, but there's never one and not the other." Also, she said customers should never let their debit cards out of sight and it should not leave their hands.
Toronto Sun
21 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Toronto taxi scam dupes hundreds of victims of $500Gs, nets 11 people charges
Legitimate cabbies will never refuse cash, will not take your card out of your sight, and won't ask for your pin Toronto Police have arrested 11 people and charged them with 108 combined offences in an alleged taxi scam but are still looking for two male suspects including this man. Photo by Toronto Police Toronto cops say they have busted a criminal network responsible for a fraud scheme where fake taxis duped passengers out of their debit or credit cards to total losses exceeding $500,000. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Police have charged 11 people with 108 combined charges in connection with the fake taxi scam investigation known as Project Fare. Cops allege the suspects posed as taxi drivers using vehicles modified to resemble licensed cabs and picked up passengers — often targeting late-night patrons coming out of bars, clubs or theatres. The victims were told to pay with cards only, then during the transaction, the drivers swapped the victim's card with a similar-looking one, retaining the real card and PIN number, police allege. 'The real card and their PIN is then passed on to accomplices,' Det. David Coffey told a Thursday morning press conference. 'These fraudsters used the stolen cards to withdraw funds from ATMs, deposit fraudulent cheques to artificially inflate account balances, and make high value purchases including electronics, gift cards, and luxury clothing.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The investigation began in July 24 after multiple reports were made to police. Initially, 61 linked incidents were identified but by the conclusion of the probe, that number rose to more than 300. Toronto Police have arrested 11 people and charged them with 108 combined offences in an alleged taxi scam but are still looking for two male suspects including this man. (Toronto Police) Photo by Toronto Police On May 21, three search warrants were executed at addresses connected to the accused and police made the 11 arrests. Officers also seized multiple point of sale (P.O.S.) terminals, high-end clothing, electronics, artwork, numerous bank cards, and vehicles resembling taxis. 'We're reminding people to remain vigilant, especially when making card payments,' said Coffey. 'Remember, the legitimate taxi drivers will never refuse cash, will not take your card out of your sight, or will they ever ask for your pin. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instinct. Refuse a transaction and report it.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In addition to the 11 people charged — all from the GTA except for one from Newfoundland — investigators are seeking the public's assistance in identifying two male individuals. Suspect one is 25-35 years old, 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-10 with a medium build, brown eyes, short black hair, and a trimmed black beard. Suspect two is in his 20s, 5-foot-7 to 6-feet tall, with brown eyes, a medium build, and thin facial hair. Police are also looking to identify a female who is being considered a person-of-interest, and not a suspect, as she was with one of the two males wanted. Toronto Police have arrested 11 people and charged them with 108 combined offences in connection with an alleged taxi scam but are still looking for this woman as person of interest. (Toronto Police) Photo by Toronto Police Coffey said the five banks in Canada have made it financially right with those who were victims of the taxi scam fraud, reimbursing amounts anywhere from $1,000 to several thousand depending on how long it took the victims to realize they didn't have their actual debit or credit cards. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'The damages are greater relevant to the time that passes,' said Coffey. 'The biggest red flag in this one is a taxi driver who says, 'I don't take cash, only debit.' And then at some point of time you're losing control of your debit card so those two things alone. It's city bylaws, (taxis are) mandated, they have to take cash. As soon as they say, 'We don't take cash,' get out of the taxi cab because that's not a legitimate taxi cab.' Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2510 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477). jstevenson@ THOSE CHARGED Ekjot NAHAL, 22, of Brampton, was arrested and charged with: five counts of Fraud Over $5000 Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5000 He was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on May 22, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 106. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Harjoban NAHAL, 25, of Brampton, was arrested and charged with: five counts of Fraud Over $5000 Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5000 Flight While Pursued by Peace Officer Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance two counts of Operation of a Conveyance while Prohibited Breach of Conditional Sentence Order He was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on May 22, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 106. Connor WYBENGA, 26, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with: five counts of Fraud Over $5000 Attempt Fraud Over $5000 Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5000 Possession of Proceeds of Crime under $5000 Unlawfully Deal with Device that could be used for Forgery He was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on May 22, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 106. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Korbin SONLEY, 22, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with: Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5000 Possession of Proceeds of Crime under $5000 Unlawfully Deal with Device that could be used for Forgery He was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on May 22, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 106. Michael DENINE, 24, of Newfoundland, was arrested and charged with: Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5000 Possession of Proceeds of Crime under $5000 Unlawfully Deal with Device that could be used for Forgery He was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on May 22, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 106. Harpreet HARPREET SINGH, 24, of Brampton, was arrested and charged with: This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. three counts of Fraud over $5000 nine counts of Fraud under $5000 12 counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000 Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5000 Obstruct Peace Officer two counts of Possession of Instruments to be Used to Commit Forgery Unauthorized Use of Credit Card Data Attempt Fraud over $5000 He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on July 15, 2025, at 11 a.m., in room 203. Luis COLLADO, 24 years, of Mississauga, was arrested and charged with: Fraud over $5000 three counts of Fraud under $5000 Attempt Fraud under $5000 five counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000 Possession of Instruments to be Used to Commit Forgery Unauthorized Use of Credit Card Data He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on July 15, 2025, at 11 a.m., in room 203. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Reazuddin SHAIKH, 50, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with: three counts of Fraud over $5000 six counts of Fraud Under $5000 Attempt Fraud Under $5000 eight counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000 Possession of instruments to be Used to Commit Forgery Unauthorized Use of Credit Card Data He is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on July 11, 2025, at 11 a.m., in room 203. Anastasia ZACHAROPOULOS JOHNSTON, 19, of Vaughan, was arrested and charged with: Fraud over $5000 Fraud under $5000 Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5000 Possession of Proceeds of Crime under $5000 two counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000 She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on June 26, 2025, at 9 a.m., in room 203. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Gurnoor Singh RANDHAWA, 20, of No Fixed Address, was arrested and charged with: Fail to Comply with Release Order two counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000 two counts of Possess Credit Card Obtained by Offence He was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on January 19, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 105. Gaurav TAAK, 23, of Brampton, was arrested and charged with: Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000 Possession of instruments to be Used to Commit Forgery He was scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on September 26, 2024, at 11 a.m., in room 203. NHL Basketball Editorial Cartoons Soccer NHL
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Toronto police charge 11 suspects in taxi scam investigation
Toronto police say 11 people face more than 100 criminal charges after an investigation into a taxi scam targeting unsuspecting victims in the city. Police say the investigation dubbed Project Fare began in July 2024 after victims reported being scammed by people posing as taxi drivers in vehicles modified to resemble licensed cabs. Det. David Coffey says victims picked up by the fake taxis were asked to pay their fare using credit or debit cards. He says the suspects would swap the victim's card with a similar-looking one, and keep the real card before passing it to other suspects who withdrew cash, deposited fraudulent cheques to inflate account balances, and purchased expensive items. Police say they initially identified 61 linked incidents and that number rose to more than 300 by the end of the investigation, with total losses to victims exceeding $500,000. They say investigators executed three search warrants and seized multiple point-of-sale terminals, high-end clothing, electronics, artwork, numerous bank cards, and vehicles resembling taxis. Ten men and one woman from the Greater Toronto Area, whose ages range between 19 and 50, were arrested and charged with a total of 108 offences including fraud over $5,000 and possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000. Police say they are still looking for two male suspects and a female considered a person of interest in the case. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Toronto police charge 11 suspects in taxi scam investigation
Toronto police say 11 people face more than 100 criminal charges after an investigation into a taxi scam targeting unsuspecting victims in the city. Police say the investigation dubbed Project Fare began in July 2024 after victims reported being scammed by people posing as taxi drivers in vehicles modified to resemble licensed cabs. Det. David Coffey says victims picked up by the fake taxis were asked to pay their fare using credit or debit cards. He says the suspects would swap the victim's card with a similar-looking one, and keep the real card before passing it to other suspects who withdrew cash, deposited fraudulent cheques to inflate account balances, and purchased expensive items. Police say they initially identified 61 linked incidents and that number rose to more than 300 by the end of the investigation, with total losses to victims exceeding $500,000. They say investigators executed three search warrants and seized multiple point-of-sale terminals, high-end clothing, electronics, artwork, numerous bank cards, and vehicles resembling taxis. Ten men and one woman from the Greater Toronto Area, whose ages range between 19 and 50, were arrested and charged with a total of 108 offences including fraud over $5,000 and possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. Police say they are still looking for two male suspects and a female considered a person of interest in the case. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2025.
