The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) and By-law and Regulatory Services (BLRS) are advising the public to remain vigilant about taxi scams operating in the city.
In these scams, an individual may ask for assistance in paying a taxi fare by debit or credit card, as the driver will not accept cash.
In at least one case, the vehicle bore a roof sign and taxi plate stolen from a legitimate taxi licenced only to operate in Toronto.
When engaging with a taxicab, it is important to be able to determine whether it is legitimate.
OPS and BLRS are reminding the public that all licenced taxicabs in Ottawa have:
- a taxi plate with the City of Ottawa logo located on the right side of the rear bumper. This plate is either blue with white lettering or white with green letters
- a roof sign indicating the taxi company and plate number
- an identification number on both sides of the vehicle
- a taximeter with a City of Ottawa seal
Taxi drivers must also have a driver identification card with their photo and driver number.
Only the following taxi companies are licenced to operate in the City of Ottawa:
- Blue Line Taxi Co. Ltd.
- Capital Taxi
- West-Way Taxi
- Executive Cabs
The OPS Fraud Unit provides these safety tips:
- Don’t accept to pay with your debit or credit card for someone else’s transaction even if you are offered monetary compensation, equivalent or superior to the original transaction amount.
- When making purchases, protect your PIN.
- Do not share your PIN with anyone.
- Choose a PIN that is not easy to guess – avoid birthdays and phone numbers, etc.
- Keep a close watch on your incoming bank and credit card statements.
- For more tips, click here.
Reports of fraud can be made by calling the Police Reporting Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300 or online.
Unlicenced taxicabs should be reported to By-law and Regulatory Services by calling 3-1-1.
Visit Ottawa.ca/consumerawareness for more information on regulations for taxis and Private Transportation Companies.
