Police warn of debit card-swap scam

WINDSOR POLICE NEWS RELEASE

Case #: 26-89778, 26-304451, 26-109313

Police warn of debit card-swap scam

The Windsor Police Service is warning residents about a debit card-swap scam after three recent incidents involving suspects posing as food-delivery drivers. 

In each incident, a young female suspect approached victims in parking lots and claimed she was having difficulty paying for a food-delivery order. The suspect said she only had cash but needed someone to pay the delivery driver by debit card. 

The suspect then gave the victim cash and asked them to insert their debit card into a mobile payment terminal and enter their personal identification number (PIN). After the transaction, the suspect provided the victim with a fraudulent receipt.

The suspect switched the victim’s debit card with a similar-looking card while it was in her possession. The victim’s card was then used at other locations using the PIN obtained during the transaction.

In the three reported incidents, victims have collectively lost more than $4,000.

“We are urging people to be cautious when approached by strangers in parking lots or other public places,” said Windsor Police Sgt. Rob Durling. “If something does not feel right, walk away. Never hand your debit card to another person or share your PIN. When using your card, cover the keypad and always make sure the card returned to you is yours before leaving.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Windsor Police Financial Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4330. You can also provide information anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.