'I was just trying to help her': Ontario woman loses $14,000 to taxi scam
CTV
An Ontario woman thought she was helping another woman pay for their taxi ride, but instead she was defrauded of $14,000.
An Ontario woman thought she was helping another woman pay for their taxi ride, but instead she was defrauded of $14,000.
It happened in a parking lot in early August, Maria Padagdag, of Woodbridge, told CTV News Toronto.
"This lady came from behind my car and she said, 'Can you help me pay my taxi?'" Padagdag recounted.
"I handed over my debit card and I put the PIN in the machine, and the lady gave me $10, and I went off on my way home."
Padagdag said she didn't check her bank account. Four days later, she said she got a call from her bank, informing her that her account had been compromised and she was out $14,000.
"Why me? I was just trying to help her because she needed help," said Padagdag. "I'm really shaking right now and I don't know what to do."
Toronto Police issued a warning due to a rise in taxi scams, as more than 800 have been reported in 2024 so far with losses of more than $1.6 million.
