How to Avoid Taxi Scams in Toronto for Safe Travel
Just like many major cities Toronto also experiences many types of scams that target both tourist as well as residents. These kind of scams have a aim to steal money or card information from people who are tired or who are unfamiliar with the place, city or just trying to be helpful. They target unsuspecting individuals who are less vigilant, mostly tourists. That is why through this blog post, we are trying to educate on how to avoid taxi scams in Toronto for safe travel.
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Avoid Taxi Scams in Toronto
Following are some type of scams that are common in Toronto Taxi Service. But don’t worry, once you go through this, you will be alert.
Always Hire a Licensed Taxi
You might come across Unregistered taxis sometimes lurking at Pearson waiting to take advantage of tired travellers. These independent taxis do not have proper insurance and chances of your luggage to be stolen is a possibility. For additional safety it is advisable to take a picture of the taxi including the licence plate, in case you need to report the driver.
Contact us or any legit taxi service company. This will ensure that you get a licensed taxi well-marked with a visible company logo and telephone number. Our well trained and professional drivers will make you feel comfortable and help you to keep out such scammers in Toronto Taxi Service. Any licensed taxis should be equipped with a fare meter and a radio that takes calls from their dispatcher. Make sure they also have an ID badge before getting in the vehicle.
Overcharging
At times dishonest drivers tend to tamper with the taxi meter for you see a higher fare than normal. If a person is new to the city and if they are noticed by these drivers, there is a chance that they intentionally take a longer route to the destination so the meter reading shows a higher price. To be cautious, use GPS on your smartphone to monitor the route. If you notice they’re going the wrong way, question the driver and make sure to familiarize yourself with basic routes to common destinations. This usually happen when you are unfamiliar with the Toronto’s layout.
Credit Card Skimming Scams
There are times you might also find locals who are extra friendly, like for example the “passenger” in the taxi might approaches a you, claiming the taxi driver won’t accept cash and asks you to pay the fare with their debit/credit card in exchange for cash. Once you inserts your card into a fake or modified point-of-sale (POS) terminal, the device skims the card’s information and records the PIN. Simultaneously, the “driver” will try to distract you and swaps their real card with a fake one (often from the same bank). The scammers then use the stolen card and PIN to make unauthorized withdrawals or purchases.
In other situations, your wallet/purse might get stolen or pickpocketed when in public places. So make sure that your wallet is safely on you and no one can pickpocket you. It common around area like Toronto, Vancouver and Quebec City
Fake Ticket Scams
You might face different kinds of scams also related to fake tickets being sold for any tourist attraction or for some events shows in Canada. You’ll notice that tickets being sold buy these scammers will be at a very discounted price, which is easily attracted buy tourists. But before caution as these tickets might not even be valid and you might have lost all your money on it. Best way is to stick with an authorized sellers or any official website when booking tickets for such shows or events. These kinds of scams are commonly seeing in places like Toronto, Vancouver and Quebec City.
We also provide multilingual Pearson Airport transfers for tourists who have just come to Toronto and want to visit sight-seeing spots in Ontario.
Unlicensed Tour Guide Scams
If you visit places that are popular tourist spots you will find many unauthorised tour guides trying to convince you to hire them. These local scammers tend to pose as tour guide and then later overcharge you for a minimum information of service. Always look for an authorized and licensed tour operators and check for reviews on the official platform, to be safe from these local scammers. These scams are common around areas like Banff, Jasper and Niagara Falls.
We do provide other sight-seeing trips in Ontario and specialize in Niagara Falls tours for our passengers.
Currency Related Scams
If you receive messages, emails or calls from people posing to be in top official posts for counterfeit currency, fake winnings, credit card fraud, be aware these are all common types of currency-related scams that occur to tourists in Canada. They will ask you for your personal information and maybe bank details so they can transfer money in your account with the use of some made up story.
At first it might sound appealing but once that transfer happens they will have all your details and can remove all your money from your account. To avoid these kinds of scams please do not share any of your personal data with any stranger over phone or online, verify called before taking any decision. These types of scams are common around any part of Canada but mostly happening in Toronto and Vancouver.
How to Protect Yourself?
- If you suspect a scam, being a victim or feel unsafe, exit the taxi immediately. So not challenge the driver aggressively.
- If safe and possible take a picture of the taxi drivers and the taxi number plate.
- Call your bank or use the bank app to block your card immediately.
- Report the incident to the Toronto Police Service and provide them with as many details you have about the Toronto Taxi Scams like taxi number, license plate, driver description, time, location, etc.
- You can contact the City of Toronto Service at 311 to file a complain against the taxi and the scammer driver.
The City of Toronto regulates taxis and limousines, and licensed taxis are required to follow specific rules regarding fares, routes, and passenger safety. Being vigilant and informed is best you can do against these scams.
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FAQs - Avoid Taxi Scams to Toronto
You can contact us directly or book our Taxi services in Toronto, we are licensed and authorized Toronto Taxi Service providers. You can check our reviews and we make sure for you to have a stress free and comfortable journey against these scammers.
Before getting a taxi make sure to take a picture of the driver and the taxi number plate. Make sure the taxi is a licensed taxi provider in Toronto and look for a company logo. Use GPS in your phone to be aware of the route to your destination. If your driver take a wrong or a long route question the driver. And at anytime you feel unsafe just exit the taxi or call at 311 (City of Toronto Service).
Try to exit the taxi as soon as possible and don’t challenge the driver too aggressively. Try to take as much as data possible of the driver and the taxi number plate by getting their pictures. And if you have been scammed with your bank cards the call your bank or use bank app to block your card immediately.
Yes, we operate 24/7, ensuring that we’re available no matter when, as a licensed taxi service provider in Toronto is our duty to protect our customers from these kinds of scams.