A dozen incidents linked to an ongoing taxi scam in Sarnia have now been reported.
Sarnia police announced on Thursday that the investigation has expanded as more victims have come forward.
Residents were warned about the scam on Wednesday, July 17 after two incidents were reported this past weekend.
City police said the scam defrauded residents of between $20,000 and $30,000 over two days on July 13 and July 14. At this time, police said individual losses range from $980 to $9,900.
As part of the scheme, police said the 'taxi driver' will pull up or is waiting with a passenger. They'll ask a good Samaritan to help the passenger pay a small fare for the cab using their debit card.
"The scammers will come up with an emotionally appealing scenario such as the cab doesn't accept cash, or that they are helping a child with a relatively small fare. The scammer may even return cash to the good Samaritan in exchange for the use of their debit card," read a Sarnia police media release. "The most common method has been to ask for help with a $7.50 fare and return $10 in cash to the individual for their assistance."
During the interaction, the scammers return a fake bank card to the individual and keep the actual card, while also capturing the person's PIN.
The Sarnia Police Service said the descriptions of the vehicles and suspects vary and more than one group may be responsible.
Those who have been approached by the scammers are asked to call Detective Cst. Pat Moloney at (519) 344-8861 extension 6239.