Investigators believe the suspects have left Alberta
Following a year-long investigation, four people from Ontario are now facing 64 charges by way of warrant related to 18 incidents of taxi fraud that allegedly defrauded 16 victims of more than $28,000.
Between Tuesday, July 9, 2024, and Sunday, July 14, 2024, Calgary police received 19 reports of taxi frauds that appeared to have been committed by an organized group of individuals.
Police identified two methods the group used to conduct the alleged frauds. In the first method, one of the suspects would approach strangers, posing as a person trying to pay for a cab ride, and ask the stranger to assist them with payment by way of credit/debit card as the taxi was not accepting cash. The sum of the fare would range from $7 to $7.50 and the suspect would offer $10 cash to the victim for use of their debit or credit card. In the second method, the suspect driver accepted fares as a regular taxi.
In both cases, the driver would give the victim a point-of-sale terminal, stating that the “tap” function was not working and that the victim would have to insert their debit card. The victim would insert their debit card, enter their Personal Identification Number (PIN) which may have been captured by the suspects on a skimming device. The suspects would also swap the victim’s debit card with another stolen debit card. Once the transaction was complete, the group would use the victim’s debit card to attend a financial institution or stores, withdrawing money from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or purchase prepaid VISA or gift cards.
Further investigation revealed that similar events had occurred in Edmonton, Toronto, and around the Metro Vancouver area. The individuals involved are not believed to have been licensed taxi drivers in the City of Calgary.
Investigators believe the suspects have left Alberta and may be in Ontario, where they are believed to reside. The following individuals are wanted on Alberta-wide warrants:
Arvinder SINGH, 24, faces 24 criminal charges as follows:
· 17 counts of theft of a credit card
· Seven counts of fraud under $5,000
Martin HUDEC SIRON, 19, faces 21 criminal charges as follows:
· 15 counts of theft of a credit card
· Six counts of fraud under $5,000
Ibrahim KALD, 24, faces eight criminal charges as follows:
· Five counts of theft of a credit card
· Three counts of fraud under $5,000
Matthew TANI, 24, faces 11 criminal charges as follows:
· Four counts of theft of a credit card
· Seven counts of fraud under $5,000
In July 2024, police issued a warning about this scam and provided the following tips to stay vigilant against scams involving ride-share services.
Whether you’re taking a taxi or using a ride-booking app, it’s important to stay alert and protect your payment information:
Before-you-get-in safety tips:
· Confirm the vehicle is legitimate. Look for a taxi plate, company markings or match the vehicle details in your app.
· If something feels off, trust your instincts and don’t get in.
Payment tips:
· Never hand over your card and always keep it in your possession.
· Use secure mobile payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay, which offer extra encryption and protection.
· Always confirm the fare and payment method before the ride begins.
· Ride-booking apps typically include payment in the booking – you should not be asked to pay in cash.
· Most traditional taxis do accept cash, but always confirm the fare payment method before the ride begins.
· Be skeptical and ask questions.
· Never let your payment card be out of view when paying; always keep it in your possession.
· Keep your distance and be suspicious of a person staying overly close to a cardholder.
· If you have a suspicious interaction, contact police and your bank.
Calgary Police would like to thank their partners at the Edmonton Police Service, Burnaby RCMP, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, Halton Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the police non-emergency number at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be left anonymously through Crime Stoppers:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
CA24279823/CA24275540/5540
