Taxi drivers scammed out of $1,000 as police investigate

Suspects allegedly borrowed large amounts of money and left collateral worth little

CBC News Posted: Sep 16, 2015 2:38 PM ET Last Updated: Sep 16, 2015 2:44 PM ET

These three people are believed to be suspects in a fraud case where taxi drivers are scammed into lending at least $1,000. (Ottawa Police Service)

Ottawa police are investigating after two taxi drivers say they were scammed by passengers who asked to borrow large amounts of money, but promised to return the cash.

Police said they began investigating two recent reports, involving three suspects, where more than $1,000 is borrowed as the suspect left a type of collateral behind, such as jewellery.

In both cases, the suspect enters a multiple unit building to supposedly "conduct an important business transaction."

Police said the suspects would not return to the taxi and the collateral is worth very little.

The three suspects are described as:

• Black man, 35 to 40 years old, bald with a thin build.
• Black man, 25 to 35 years old, dark hair, chin-strap beard, larger build with a tattoo on right side of neck.
• White woman, 40 to 50 years old, heavy build, long dirty blonde/brown hair, wearing glasses.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call police at 613-236-1222, ext. 5677 or ext. 5678, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.