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Pizza 'scam' may take slice out of your bank account: police

Fraudsters making dough by posing as pizza customer and delivery driver, stealing PIN numbers
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Be wary of a pizza delivery scam in which fraudsters are using rigged point-of-sale terminals to illegally obtain debit cards and PINs, York Regional Police are warning.

York Regional Police are warning the community of an increase in a cheesy delivery scam. 

In a ruse made to look like an authentic pizza delivery, a suspect approaches a victim posing as someone who ordered a pizza that has been delivered by a second suspect posing as the delivery driver.

The first suspect will ask the victim for help, saying the delivery person only accepts debit cards and will not take cash.

The suspect tells the victim they only have cash on hand, but will pay the victim back in cash if they will do them a favour and pay the delivery driver with their debit card.

Upon agreeing, the fake customer gives them cash and the phony delivery driver presents the victim with a rigged point-of-sale terminal that records the personal identification number (PIN), according to York Regional Police.

At the end of the transaction, a fake, similar-looking card is given back to the unsuspecting victim.

The suspects then use the victim’s real card and PIN to make cash withdrawals and/or purchases. 

Police are asking the public to be aware of these types of scams and to take steps to protect themselves.

  • Be vigilant during debit or credit transactions
  • Remember that legitimate delivery services accept cash, so if someone tries to convince you otherwise it could be a scam
  • If you think you may be a victim of debit card fraud, contact your bank immediately

Learn more about fraud prevention online at this link.