Bengaluru Techie Exposes New Airport Cab Scam, Urges Caution

Bengaluru: A Bengaluru-based tech professional, Shivam Sourav Jha, recently highlighted a new scam being executed by some cab drivers transporting passengers, particularly women, to the Kempegowda International Airport. He warned the public to be vigilant as drivers are allegedly leveraging this scam to charge extra fees under false pretenses.

How the Scam Works

In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Shivam explained that the scam unfolds with cab drivers stopping midway under the pretense of a fuel shortage. They then request the passenger to pay for petrol, often quoting amounts around ₹1,100 but asking for only ₹1,000, creating a sense of urgency. If passengers refuse, drivers threaten to abandon them halfway, warning that they may miss their flight.

So folks here is a new scam going in Bengaluru by our beloved cab drivers when going to airport(with girls specially)

1. They stop vehicle midway citing no fuel and ask you to pay at petrol pump saying 1100 is shown I would need only 1000.

— Shivam Sourav Jha (@ShivamSouravJha) October 28, 2024

Shivam noted that, once the payment is made, the drivers take an inner route that avoids the official airport toll fee, saving themselves the toll but still charging the passengers for it. Shivam’s experience involved a Rapido cab, and he alerted cab aggregators about this practice.

Reactions and Similar Experiences

His post sparked responses from other users who reported similar experiences. One user recommended using the airport bus service and booking a cab only until the nearest bus stand, highlighting the need for a solution to address the issue.

Another user shared a recent encounter where a cab driver insisted on taking an inner road despite requests to stick to the toll route. They described the alternative route as poorly lit and isolated, which added to the distress.

Safety Recommendations

Many online users recommended opting for airport buses or verified cabs through major aggregators, especially for late-night travels. The techie’s alert has sparked concern and calls for immediate action to prevent such scams and ensure passenger safety.