Waterloo Police Investigating Taxi Scam After Debit Card Swapped

Waterloo regional police are investigating a taxi scam after a pedestrian’s debit card was switched during a transaction near State Street and Hickory Street West. Police said the incident happened at about 2:05 a.m. on October 23, 2026.

The pedestrian noticed a dark-coloured vehicle parked on the road, according to police. A woman approached and said she needed help paying a taxi fare because the driver did not accept tap payments.

Police said the pedestrian approached the vehicle and asked for the debit terminal. The male driver said he could not provide it directly because the tap feature was not working. The pedestrian then gave him their debit card.

According to police, the man processed a payment and asked the pedestrian to enter their PIN. During the transaction, he exchanged the debit card for a similar-looking card and returned the substitute. The pedestrian later discovered the switch and unauthorized cash withdrawals from their bank account.

Police advice

Police offered these tips to help prevent similar scams:

• Do not leave a debit or credit card unattended in a payment terminal. Remove a debit card before returning a malfunctioning machine for assistance.
• Do not use your personal card to pay for an unknown person in exchange for cash.
• Inspect your card after each transaction, shield the keypad when entering your PIN and make sure your card is returned before leaving.
• Use contactless payment when possible; it does not require a PIN. Police said legitimate taxi services accept cash.

The General Investigations Unit is continuing the investigation. Anyone with information or video footage is asked to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 4496.