Kingston Police warn of bank card swap scam using food delivery ruse
Kingston Police have flagged a coordinated fraud in which suspects pose as delivery drivers and customers to steal bank cards and PINs. Stolen cards were used for cash withdrawals and purchases.
Food Delivery Scam Targets Kingston Residents in Card-Swap Fraud
Kingston Police are warning the public about a coordinated bank card fraud, kingstonherald.com reports, in which suspects impersonate food delivery drivers and customers to steal debit cards and PIN numbers.
Several incidents have been reported across the Kingston area. Police say two individuals work in tandem: one poses as a customer, the other as a food delivery driver.
In each reported case, the person acting as the customer approaches a bystander and claims their payment card is not working. They ask the victim to pay for the food on their behalf using the delivery driver's PIN payment terminal, handing over cash in return.
During the transaction, the victim's bank card is swapped for a different card without their knowledge. The victim then enters their PIN into the terminal, giving the suspects access to both the card and the PIN. Following the incidents, stolen debit cards were used to make cash withdrawals, deposit bad cheques and complete retail purchases.
Warning Signs
Police have identified several red flags the public should watch for:
- A vehicle with no food-delivery markings or decals
- A delivery driver who asks the other person to hold or keep the PIN terminal inside the vehicle
- A person requesting help who cannot provide clear or specific details about the food order
- Someone asking for payment who does not appear to live in the area or gives inconsistent information
- Being asked to enter a PIN for a transaction the cardholder did not initiate
- Being asked to use a bank card on another person's payment terminal in exchange for cash
What to Do
Police are reminding residents never to hand over a bank card or PIN to another person, and never to enter a PIN into a payment terminal when it is unclear who is operating the transaction. Anyone asked to pay for another person's food or purchase using a debit or credit card in exchange for cash is advised to decline. A legitimate delivery driver does not require a bystander to provide banking details or a PIN to complete a delivery.
Anyone who believes their card has been switched or compromised should contact their financial institution immediately to cancel the card and request a replacement, change their PIN if appropriate, and monitor their account for unauthorised transactions.
Incidents can be reported to Kingston Police at 613-549-4660 ext. 0. Tips may also be provided anonymously through the same number by asking to remain anonymous.
Source: Google News JM — Kingston