Fake Ubers forcing people to pay R4,200 for a single trip in South Africa
South African travellers using Uber to and from airports should be cautious of fraudulent drivers posing as Uber representatives.
In an interview with Cape Talk, frequent traveller Johan van Schalkwyk reported that these individuals were cheating unsuspecting people out of thousands of rands.
“They are offering the services like they were an Uber to unsuspecting people. They are scamming them,” he said.
Van Schalkwyk added that there were several online groups in which tourists and travellers to South Africa had spoken about being scammed in this manner.
“The thing you read often is someone saying ‘my trip should have been R420, but I got to the hotel and connected to the Wi-Fi to see I’ve been charged R4,200,” he said.
However, he did not clarify how these fraudulent e-hailing drivers were able to impose higher charges.
Given that the victims had money deducted from their bank accounts, it is likely that they shared their card information with the scammers.
Van Schalkwyk expressed significant concern about the audacity of the scammers’ methods. He mentioned that many airports had enhanced security and put up signs directing travellers to official e-hailing zones.
Despite this, Van Schalkwyk indicated that the problem persisted at night, suggesting that the security measures were only in effect during daytime hours.
He suggested that a possible solution was to formalise “good” taxi operators and give them a place where they can offer their services.
“Make it clear that this is an approved taxi pickup area. That improves the situation, and it gives those legit drivers a real place to make money and to do business,” Van Schalkwyk said.
Airports Company South Africa said passenger safety is its main priority
“All Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) airports place passenger safety and security at the centre of their operations,” ACSA told BusinessTech.
ACSA said it will continue to strengthen passenger awareness initiatives to help travellers identify and avoid unauthorised transport operators, including individuals falsely presenting themselves as legitimate e-hailing or taxi drivers.
“As part of its ongoing passenger safety and security initiatives, Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) has significantly enhanced its passenger awareness measures over recent months.”
The group said that this was achieved through expanded passenger-awareness signage, improved wayfinding, digital messaging, printed awareness materials, and the introduction of the Travel Safely passenger tunnel.
ACSA said these initiatives include:
- “Passenger awareness signage located throughout the domestic and international arrivals areas.
- Increased security visibility in key passenger areas.
- Passenger safety messages displayed on airport digital screens.
- Safety awareness pamphlets available at strategic locations throughout the terminal.
- The newly introduced Travel Safely passenger tunnel, providing clear wayfinding and passenger safety messaging from International Arrivals to authorised transport facilities.
- Ongoing passenger safety messaging across the airport’s digital and social media platforms.
- Terminal public announcements have now been increased to be done every 15 minutes advising passengers to use airport-authorised taxis only.
- Authorised taxi kiosks are strategically positioned throughout the passenger arrival path.”
ACSA urged passengers to follow these guidelines for a safe and efficient travel experience.
Passengers have been advised to book e-hailing services only through their preferred service provider’s official mobile app and follow the directional instructions in the app.
“Proceed only to the designated Ride-App Pick-Up Area, located on the Ground Floor of Parkade 1,” ACSA told BusinessTech.
“Before entering the vehicle, ensure the registration number and vehicle details match those shown in your app,” the group said.
ACSA urged passengers to use only authorised airport taxi services by going to the official airport taxi kiosks, which are located both inside and outside the terminal building.
The group said passengers must never accept transport offers from individuals who approach them inside or outside the terminal.
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