The Arrest of Cheng-Tso (Josh) Huang
On April 2, 2026, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Investigative Response Team arrested 21-year-old Cheng-Tso (Josh) Huang of Toronto. Huang has been charged with fraud in connection to a month-long series of these scams across the city.
The fact that the suspect is from Ontario highlights a growing trend of "traveling fraud rings" that move between provinces to target specific cities before moving on. Detective Tyson Sergent noted that the EPS is still working to identify other drivers and accomplices involved in this network.
How the "Doorstep" Scam Works
This isn't just a phone call; it’s a coordinated, face-to-face fraud that relies on a "courier" showing up at your front door. Here is how the trap is set:
The Impersonation: You receive a call from someone claiming to be from your bank's security or fraud department. They sound professional and tell you your bank cards have been "compromised" in a recent breach.
The Envelope Trap: Instead of telling you to go to a branch, they instruct you to place your "compromised" credit or debit cards into an envelope. They often tell you this is a "secure way" to return the cards for testing.
The Hand-Off: A "driver" or "courier" arrives at your home minutes later to collect the envelope. Because the person is standing on your porch, it feels more legitimate than a digital scam.
The Hit: Once the suspect has your physical card, they immediately head to ATMs or retail stores for unauthorized cash withdrawals and high-value purchases.
Red Flags to Watch For
The police are urging residents to remember one golden rule: A real bank will never send a person to your home to collect your cards.
No Couriers: Legitimate financial institutions will never ask you to hand over a card to a driver. They will ask you to destroy the card yourself or bring it into a local branch.
Never Share Your PIN: Scammers may ask for your PIN over the phone to "verify" the card once it’s collected. No bank employee will ever ask for your PIN.
Verify the Call: If you get a call like this, hang up immediately. Do not use any phone number the caller provides. Find your bank’s official number on the back of your card or their official website and call them yourself.
Huang remains in custody and is scheduled for his next court appearance on Tuesday, April 7. If you have been a victim or saw a suspicious "courier" recently, contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from your mobile.
Primary Source
Edmonton Police Service: Media Release: Police warning of evolving phone scam (MRU #: 26R032; Published April 3, 2026)
