Bengaluru Taxi Scam: Social media user exposes new trick cab drivers are using to cheat customers

A social media post by X user Shivam Sourav Jha has brought to light complaints of alleged scams by Bengaluru cab drivers, who reportedly demand additional payments from passengers for fuel during rides. The post, shared widely, has sparked discussion, with several users sharing similar experiences of unexpected charges while traveling to the airport.

Allegations of Extra Fuel Costs

Jha’s post described a troubling incident in which a friend faced unexpected costs from a cab driver en route to Bengaluru Airport. According to the post, the driver claimed the vehicle was low on fuel and insisted on a mid-journey stop at a petrol station, asking the passenger to pay Rs 1,000 for fuel. Jha stated, “So folks, here is a new scam going in Bengaluru by our beloved cab drivers when going to the airport (with girls especially). They stop the vehicle midway citing no fuel and ask you to pay at the petrol pump.”

Pressure Tactics and Toll Evasion

Jha further described how the driver used pressure tactics, warning that refusing to pay would delay the trip and risk the passenger missing their flight. According to Jha’s posts, the driver also avoided toll roads by taking shortcuts, which should have reduced the fare, but refused to adjust the charge, resulting in an excess payment that was not returned to the passenger. He added, “If you refuse to pay, they would say ‘I won’t move, it’s midway, your flight will be missed so you pay.’”

Other Users Share Similar Experiences

Following Jha’s viral post, several users shared their own experiences with unexpected charges. One user recommended avoiding cabs altogether for airport trips, suggesting that public transportation was a safer and more reliable option. Another user commented, “I booked an Uber Go, and the driver asked me to pay ₹200 over and above the fare for AC. He said, ‘For AC, book Premier.’” Others advised using aggregator apps with stricter policies to avoid such incidents.

Calls for Public Transport as a Solution

Many commenters pointed to public transportation, particularly Bengaluru’s airport bus service, as a more affordable and secure alternative. “When Bangalore has the best airport bus service...why go in a cab unless it’s urgent?” one user suggested, noting the bus fare caps at ₹300. Another commenter advised using trusted apps with fixed pricing, adding that this had reduced hassle during their recent trips.

The incident has led to calls for cab companies and aggregators to address such practices and for passengers to consider alternative transport options to the airport.