Tow truck operator leaves driver on hook for $2K bill

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-tow-truck-scams-1.4465693

Police, Canadian Automobile Association warn drivers to beware shady tow truck operators

CBC News Posted: Dec 28, 2017 1:58 PM ET Last Updated: Dec 28, 2017 2:28 PM ET

An Ottawa driver is on the hook for $2,000 after a tow truck driver approached him claiming to be a subcontractor for the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).

The driver was involved in a collision on Hunt Club Road Wednesday morning.

Elliott Silverstein, CAA's manager of government relations, said CAA has encountered similar situations in the past.

"Motorists are vulnerable when they're in need of towing service," he said. "So if somebody shows up on the side of the road, they're certainly trying to understand the situation that is really happening in real time."

Police issue reminder

CAA will not send a truck unless they are called first, Silverstein said.

If drivers are unsure about a tow truck operator after calling CAA for service, Silverstein said they can confirm again with CAA either by phone or through their app.

Ottawa police are reminding drivers that it is illegal for tow trucks to approach a driver at the scene of a collision unless they have been called by the driver or by police.

In Ontario, tow truck operators are required to issue a detailed invoice to motorists before collecting payment.

Suspect sought in Attempted Fraud & Theft

The Ottawa Police Service and Crime Stoppers is seeking the public’s assistance to identify a suspect involved in a attempt fraud and theft.

On the 17Nov2017 at 14:15hrs a male suspect attempted to cash in a fraudulent check at the Meridian Credit Union at 99 Bank St. Upon refusal, the suspect began to shout, curse, and insult the staff, then grabbed the United Way donation box and stormed out of the premise.

The male suspect is described as a white male in his 50’s, 5ft11, thin build and bald was seen wearing a dark shirt, grey long sleeved zippered sweat shirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with information regarding this theft is asked to call the Ottawa Police’s at 613-236-1222, or Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). Remember Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, we will not ask your name or record your call and you are not required to testify in court. If your information leads to their identity, you could qualify for a cash reward of up to $2000. You can follow us on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Ottawa Police warns about a false Uber driver scam

https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/index.aspx?newsId=43db00a1-da71-4d15-ab20-095a83c27f29

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 20, 2017         12:50 pm

(Ottawa)—The Ottawa Police Service has received reports about a male suspect posing as an Uber driver in the downtown core, particularly in the ByWard Market area. 

In this scam, the suspect typically waits in his vehicle, late at night, and looks for people coming out of bars/restaurants who may be looking for a taxi.

The suspect approaches potential customers and identifies himself as an Uber driver. This happens before the person connects to the Uber Application to request a ride.

The suspect drives the victim to their destination and uses a card skimmer or asks the customer to pay with a debit card or VISA. Having obtained the customer’s PIN and card number, the suspect attends an ATM and withdraws large amounts of money from the customer’s account.

The Ottawa Police Service is not issuing a suspect description at this time, as there could be several such scammers.

It is important to remember that Uber is a smartphone application that allows customers/drivers to have all payments done within the application. As such, an Uber driver should NOT be requesting other means of payment. It is best not to accept a ride by an Uber driver, unless you have actually requested the service.

If you have been a victim of this fraudulent scam, please contact the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300, and file a report.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police app.