Brampton(Canada)Peel Regional Police have arrested two Brampton men in connection with a series of fake taxi frauds that targeted residents across the Region of Peel throughout 2024 and 2025. According to investigators, the suspects carried out a coordinated scam in shopping mall parking lots, approaching victims with a well-rehearsed story to gain their trust and ultimately steal their debit cards and PIN numbers.
Police say the operation typically began with one suspect posing as a stranded taxi passenger. He would tell victims that he could not pay his fare because the taxi driver did not accept cash and only allowed debit payments. Believing they were helping someone in need, victims would agree to cover the fare. As soon as they handed over their debit card, the second suspect—acting as the taxi driver—would discreetly exchange it with another stolen card from the same financial institution. Using a point-of-sale device connected to a laptop, the suspects captured the victims’ PINs.
Once the card and PIN were obtained, the suspects immediately went to bank machines to withdraw cash from the victims’ accounts. Police say the offenders also used the stolen cards to commit additional fraudulent transactions, causing significant financial harm to both cardholders and financial institutions. Investigators also revealed that the suspects frequently used stolen vehicles while committing these offences, making their movements harder to track.
On October 9, 2025, Manvir Singh (22) was arrested and charged with eight counts of Fraud Under $5000, five counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, five counts of Use of a Stolen Credit Card, and one count of Attempt to Commit Fraud. His arrest marked a major step forward in dismantling the ongoing fake taxi scam.
A second suspect, Syed Hunain (25), was arrested on November 18, 2025. He faces nine counts of Fraud Under $5000, four counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, four counts of Use of a Stolen Credit Card, as well as charges for Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Use of Disguise with Intent to Use a Stolen Credit Card. Police believe both individuals played key roles in the organized series of frauds.
Investigators are reminding the public to remain vigilant, especially during the busy holiday shopping season. They emphasize that legitimate taxi drivers do not refuse cash, do not remove your debit card from sight, and will never ask for your PIN number. Residents who encounter unusual or suspicious situations are urged to trust their instincts, refuse the transaction, and report the matter to police immediately.