Question 1

What is the "Card Skimming at Convenience Store ATMs" scam in Toronto?

Accepted Answer

Skimming devices are installed on standalone ATMs inside corner convenience stores and gas stations in tourist-heavy neighborhoods like Kensington and Chinatown. Use ATMs inside major bank branches only. Wiggle the card slot before inserting — skimmers are often loosely attached. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Question 2

What is the "Point-of-Sale Machine Swap" scam in Toronto?

Accepted Answer

Fraudsters posing as technicians or using distraction techniques have swapped legitimate card readers at Toronto restaurants and shops with compromised devices that capture card data and PINs. CP24 reported businesses in Toronto losing thousands of dollars to this scheme, with one Beaches-area restaurant catching two men mid-swap. The compromised machine processes the genuine transaction while recording all card and PIN data for later fraudulent use. Cover the PIN pad with your hand when entering your PIN at any terminal. If the card reader feels unusually loose, has a different appearance than the last time you visited, or requires you to re-insert or re-swipe, alert the staff immediately. Use contactless or tap payment to eliminate PIN exposure entirely.

Money & ATM Scams in Toronto

Card Skimming at Convenience Store ATMs

Point-of-Sale Machine Swap

Experienced a scam here?