Fraud victims on Prince Edward Island are facing a new threat as scammers are resorting to sending taxis to their homes in an attempt to extort more money from them, according to the police. Cpl. Gavin Moore, the media relations officer for P.E.I. RCMP, disclosed that there have been three reported incidents in their area over the last few months employing this tactic. These targeted individuals had already fallen victim to a previous fraud.
In these cases, the scammers dispatched a taxi to the victims’ residences, with the drivers under the impression that they were transporting passengers to the bank or a store to purchase gift cards. However, the individuals did not enter the taxis or provide additional funds, as per Moore. Nevertheless, he emphasized the importance of Islanders recognizing that scammers can be persistent, especially once they have succeeded in defrauding a victim.
Moore highlighted the significant emotional impact these scams have on victims, stating that they feel violated as the fraudsters intrude into their homes. Despite the novelty of sending taxis to victims’ homes, Moore reiterated that the ultimate aim remains the same: to coerce victims into sending more money. He warned that scammers might employ various tactics, including posing as law enforcement or other entities offering assistance in recovering lost funds, but in reality, seeking additional payments.
The scam not only affects the victims but also poses challenges for taxi operators, as noted by Moore. He expressed that receiving such calls is unwelcome for taxi companies, causing inconvenience and loss of potential fares. By raising awareness about this scheme, Moore hopes that taxi drivers will be more vigilant against suspicious calls.
Moreover, Moore acknowledged the complexities of investigating scams that originate from outside P.E.I., often from different regions or countries. Despite these hurdles, he stressed the importance of informing the public as a crucial step in enhancing protection against fraud.
For individuals suspecting fraud or those who have fallen victim, Moore advised reaching out to local law enforcement for guidance. He emphasized the following prevention measures: being cautious of any communication mentioning money, recognizing unusual payment requests like gift cards, refraining from disclosing personal information, and pausing to assess the legitimacy of any money-related requests. Reporting fraud incidents is crucial for tracking trends and safeguarding the community, Moore concluded.