Ottawa Police warned residents on October 26 about debit-card fraud involving requests to cover a stranger’s taxi fare or food delivery in exchange for cash.

According to the warning, someone approaches a passerby near a vehicle and says the driver cannot take cash. After the passerby enters a PIN into a terminal, the driver swaps the card for a similar one. Police say the stolen card and PIN are then used to take money from the account.

The warning describes both taxi and pizza-delivery versions of the scheme. Police advise keeping control of your bank card, covering your PIN and being cautious about these requests.

Anyone who thinks they have been affected should contact their bank immediately and report the incident to police. Information can be provided to the Ottawa Police Fraud Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 7300.

Source: Ottawa Police warning, October 26, 2026.