21-year-old Brampton man charged in taxi debit card fraud investigation

Toronto police made an arrest in an ongoing taxi cab debit card fraud investigation.

According to police, the investigation led by the 52 Division Fraud unit began in the fall of 2015. It is alleged that the investigation focused on taxi customers having their debit cards “switched” after paying their taxi fare.

The taxi driver would allegedly switch the customer’s card for one that resembled their financial institution. After the cards were switched, the customer’s card was then used to withdraw funds, purchase retail merchandise, and empty bank accounts.

On Wednesday, as police were conducting an investigation into taxi cab frauds, a man was observed taking a debit card from a customer in the Queen Street West and Yonge Street area.

Police have seized counterfeit identification, debit cards and a 2015 red Nissan Sentra, as a result. They are also concerned that there may be other victims.

Harjoban Nahal, 21, of Brampton was arrested and charged with Dangerous operation of motor vehicle, Fail to Stop for police, Possess Instruments of Forgery, Possess Counterfeit Money.

On top of this, he was also charged with five counts of Possession of Credit Card obtained by Crime, six counts of fraud over $5,000, seven counts of theft of credit card, six counts of possess Credit obtained by crime. Lastly, he was charged with fraud over $5,000.00.

“Police would like to remind the public to be vigilant when using debit cards at ‘Point of Sale’ taxi cab transactions. Always maintain possession of your card and ensure you request a receipt,” Toronto police said in a release.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).