Taxi scams are on the rise across the globe, with a traveller recently falling victim in Paris, and with summer travel in full swing, many holidaymakers could be at risk of falling victim while abroad.
To help travellers stay safe when using taxis, the experts at Zego have revealed some of the most deceptive taxi scams to watch out for, along with expert advice on how to identify legitimate taxis and private hire vehicles. They also share the simple checks travellers can make to reduce their risk of being scammed, as well as what to do if they do become a victim.
Five taxi scams that could catch travellers out
1.The longest route scam
This is one of the more subtle yet common scams that could catch travellers out this summer. The longest route scam entails the driver taking a much longer route possibly using a longer, more winding or congested route to artificially inflate the distance and the final fare. This can be particularly common if the driver is transporting tourists who may not be familiar with the area or know their way round at all.
2.The broken metre scam
A commonly used scam tactic, this involves the driver claiming that the taxi metre is broken and therefore insisting on charging a fixed fare instead that could end up being significantly more expensive than the standard metered rate would have been. This scam is particularly common around airports and tourist hotspots, where travellers are more likely to accept the explanation rather than wait for another taxi.
3.The fake taxi scam
Scammers could pose as licensed taxi drivers or pretend to be your pre-booked ride outside airports, train stations and popular attractions. They often approach travellers who appear lost or are looking at their phones, making it easier to convince them they’ve found the correct vehicle. They may then charge excessive fares, taking advantage of travellers who assume they are getting into a legitimate vehicle.
4.The short changing or overcharging scams
The taxi driver may return less change than you’re owed, claim not to have smaller notes, or deliberately overcharge the fare in the hope you won’t notice. This scam is particularly common when travellers pay with cash, especially if they’re unfamiliar with the local currency, exchange rates or standard taxi fares. However, travellers should also be aware that card payment scams can occur. Recent reports revealed a passenger in Paris was charged hundreds of pounds after a driver asked them to complete payment outside the vehicle due to an alleged connection issue.
5.The fake damage scam
One of the lesser-known taxi scams involves drivers falsely claiming that a passenger has damaged the vehicle and demanding immediate payment. This can happen after a journey when travellers are often distracted by luggage or focused on reaching their accommodation, with scammers relying on passengers wanting to avoid confrontation or hassle in an unfamiliar place.
Sten Saar, CEO and Co-Founder of Zego, comments on the key ways to identify a legitimate taxi that every traveller should be aware of:
“Legitimate taxis and private hire vehicles are required to display clear safety features. Travellers should always check for official licensing, confirm vehicle details match their booking when using a private-hire service, and ensure the fare process is transparent before starting their journey. If something feels wrong, passengers should trust their instincts and avoid getting into the vehicle. If requested, legitimate drivers should also be able to provide a receipt with the company and journey details.
Always check for official licensing: Before getting in your taxi, always ensure to check for an official taxi licence or permit displayed on the windscreen or dashboard, there should be a vehicle registration and expiry date. Many countries also require taxis to display a licence number or company details on the outside of the vehicle.
Book via a trusted app or official recognised taxi rank: Whenever possible, use a reputable ride-hailing app, your hotel reception or an official taxi rank rather than accepting rides from drivers who approach you in airports, train stations or busy tourist areas.
Track your route: Use a navigation app on your phone to follow the journey and make sure the driver is taking a reasonable route. This can also help if you need to share your location with someone.
Pay by card where possible: Using a card or trusted payment app creates a record of the transaction and reduces the risk of short-changing or disputes over the fare. If something was to go wrong, paying by card means the payment can be easily traced by your bank, and ensures there is a record of the incident. If paying cash, try to use smaller notes and count your change before leaving the vehicle.
Trust your instincts: If the vehicle is in poor condition, the driver refuses to use a metre, says it isn’t working, or something feels off, you have the right to decline the ride or ask to be let out in a well-lit, public area. Always trust your instincts and stay alert when travelling via taxi this summer.
What to do if you fall victim to a taxi scam
Retain and gather evidence
If it’s safe to do so, note the taxi’s registration number, licence number, company name and take photos of the vehicle or evidence of receipt. Save payment confirmations, screenshots and any communication with the driver or booking app, as these can help support your case.
Report the incident to relevant parties
Contact the local police if you’ve been the victim of fraud or theft, and report the driver to the local taxi licensing authority or ride-hailing platform.
Report the incident to your bank if you paid by card
If you paid by card and suspect you’ve been overcharged or your payment was fraudulent, notify your bank as soon as possible. They may be able to help dispute the transaction or block your card if necessary.