---
title: "Ottawa police warn of debit card swap scam targeting people helping strangers"
description: "Ottawa police say a scam targeting residents who help strangers with taxi or food delivery payments has been spreading in Ottawa. Suspects switch the victim's debit card for a fake one during the transaction and then withdraw money from the real account."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/on/ottawa-2026/news/ottawa-police-good-samaritan-scam-2026-10-27"
last_updated: "2026-10-29T14:05:35.036Z"
---

Ottawa Police Service is warning residents about a scam where suspects ask members of the public to help pay for a taxi or food delivery, then switch the victim's debit card for a fake and withdraw money from the real account. CityNews Ottawa reported the warning on October 27.

## How the scam works

CityNews Ottawa reported that Ottawa police describe the scam starting when a person approaches a member of the public in a public place and says a taxi driver will not accept cash. The suspect offers to give the victim cash if the victim pays the taxi fee by debit card.

When the victim inserts their card into the payment machine and enters their PIN, the suspect switches the real card for a similar-looking fake one. The victim leaves with a fake card, not knowing the switch happened. The suspect then uses the real debit card to withdraw money from the victim's bank account.

## Scammers have added a food delivery version

Ottawa police said the original taxi version of the scam has been active in Ottawa for more than a year. CityNews Ottawa reported that because more residents have become aware of it, suspects have now created the same scam with food or pizza delivery as the cover story. The same card-switching technique is used in both versions.

"Be cautious if someone asks them to pay for a stranger's taxi fare or food delivery using their debit card in exchange for cash," Ottawa police said, according to CityNews Ottawa.

## What Ottawa police advise

According to CityNews Ottawa, Ottawa Police Service advises residents to:

- Never hand your debit card to a stranger for this type of request.
- Only use licensed taxi services and make sure the vehicle is properly marked.
- Use an app-based payment method instead of a physical debit card when possible.

Residents who believe they have been victims of this scam should contact Ottawa Police Service and their bank immediately to cancel the affected card. Full police warnings are at [ottawapolice.ca](https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news-and-community/news-releases.aspx).

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