March 4,2026
RED FM News Desk
The Hamilton Police Service is investigating a distraction theft that left a community member victimized after attempting to help a stranger in need.
Police say the incident occurred on February 11, 2026, at approximately 11 p.m., when a Hamilton resident was walking home and was approached by a woman requesting assistance with cab fare. The woman allegedly claimed her debit card was not working and that the driver would not accept cash.
Wanting to help, the victim accompanied the woman to what appeared to be a waiting cab and attempted to pay the fare using their debit card. Shortly after the transaction, the card was returned. However, once home, the victim realized the card in their possession did not belong to them and later discovered several unauthorized transactions had been made from their bank account.
Investigators have obtained surveillance footage from a location where the victim’s debit card was subsequently used. Police believe two suspects were involved in the incident, including the female who approached the victim and a male believed to have been operating the vehicle, described as a black four-door sedan.
The female suspect is described as a brown-skinned woman between 20 and 30 years old, approximately 5’2″ to 5’5″ tall, with a larger-than-average build and black wavy hair. She was wearing a black puffer jacket and was seen carrying a vape device.
The male suspect is described as a brown-skinned man between 20 and 30 years old, with black hair and a black beard, a slim build, and wearing a grey or dark-coloured sweatsuit.
Police are reminding residents that criminals may exploit acts of kindness to create opportunities for theft and are urging the public to remain cautious when asked to assist strangers with financial transactions. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Division 10 detectives at 905-546-3833 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
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