Metrolinx warns public transit users of Presto card scam

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 19, 2016
By Lisa Queen

If you bought a Presto transit card from someone who is not an authorized retailer, you may have found yourself the victim of a scam.

The scam involves people tricking buyers into thinking they are getting a card, which can be used on YRT/Viva transit in York Region, loaded with as much as $500 at a discounted price.

“Metrolinx would like to advise our customers of Presto cards being sold from unauthorized websites,” the agency that manages and integrates transit in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) warned in a statement Aug. 19.

“The scheme involves selling registered Presto cards for a reduced price via online marketplaces, only for the customer to be left with a Presto card with no balance. Even when the fraudster is able to verify the amount on the balance checker, shortly after the fraudster withdraws the funds and the customer is left with a Presto card with zero balance.”

Metrolinx describes Presto as a “state of the art” electronic fare payment system available across 11 transit agencies in the GTHA and Ottawa.

It uses smart-card technology to store funds in a secure account, replacing the need for tickets, tokens, passes or cash.

In light of the scam, Metrolinx is warning customers to only buy cards at prestocard.ca or in person at authorized customer service outlets listed on the website.

Don’t purchase them from online auction websites or buy used cards from another person.

Register your card online to protect the money in your account in case the card is lost or stolen.

If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately. A registered card can be blocked from use and the balance will be transferred to a replacement card.

If you suspect fraud, contact police.