Fake cab apps are being used to inflate fares
What's the story
A Bengaluru resident has exposed a new scam in which some cab drivers are allegedly using fake ride-hailing apps to inflate fares. The revelation was made through a viral Reddit post, where the passenger shared his experience and warned others to stay alert. The incident highlights the need for vigilance when using ride-hailing services in the city.
Incident details
Driver showed inflated fare on a different screen
The passenger booked a Rapido ride from Kempegowda International Airport's Terminal 2 to Jakkur. The app showed an estimated fare of ₹598, and the trip started normally after he verified the driver and shared the OTP. However, at the end of the journey, the driver displayed a billing screen showing ₹758, about ₹160 more than what was initially estimated.
App revelation
Driver was using a fake app called 'TownRide'
The passenger was suspicious as the billing screen looked like the Rapido interface, but his own Rapido app showed the ride as not finished. After some insistence, he found out that the driver was using a fake app called "TownRide." This counterfeit app mimicked Rapido's interface but allowed users to manually change fares.
Confrontation outcome
The driver took payment for the original fare
Upon confronting the driver, the passenger refused to pay the inflated fare. He wrote, "I raised my voice, my tone got firm, and he immediately understood he was on the wrong side. He quickly agreed to accept the actual amount that showed up on the official Rapido app." The driver then took payment for this amount and sped off.
Public response
Similar experiences shared by other users
The post prompted several Reddit users to share similar experiences with inflated fares on Uber rides. One user wrote, "Happened with me today, but for an Uber ride. For a quick second, he showed me the inflated fare and closed it." Another user shared their experience where ₹67 became ₹76 on the driver's app.