Beware: Fake driver scam targeting tourists at Cape Town airport

A Cape Town International Airport scam is costing some tourists thousands of rands for a single trip.

The scammers pose as e-hailing drivers. They look the part, with reflective vests and fake identification.

But by the time travellers notice the charge, they’ve already been dropped off.

According to an Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) contractor who also works as an e-hailing driver, a syndicate of fake drivers is targeting foreign tourists at the airport, adding extra digits to turn a fare of about R250 into R25 000.

He claimed that he regularly hears complaints from tourists who’ve been overcharged.

HOW THE CAPE TOWN AIRPORT SCAM WORKS

According to the latest reports, the fake drivers:

• Wear reflective vests and carry fake cards designed to look like official e-hailing driver identification
• Wait near the airport exits, targeting passengers who’ve just landed, often after long-haul flights
• Lie about where official e-hailing pickup points are, and convince travellers to cancel trips they’ve already booked through the app
• Drive passengers safely to their destination, but then charge their cards far more than the trip should cost

SCAMMERS REMOVING WARNING SIGNS

ACSA has put up signs at the airport warning travellers not to accept transport offers from people approaching them.

However, many of the signs have since been removed by the scammers, according to the latest reports.

EARLIER WARNINGS

The scam isn’t new.

In early October, crime watchdogs and a local improvement district warned visitors about fake drivers offering trips from the airport for between R10 000 and R25 000, the Weekend Argus reported.

In one case, a visitor was allegedly charged R25 000 for a trip to Green Point.

ACSA told the newspaper that touting is a criminal offence, and that it had responded with more warning signs, messages on terminal screens and visible security staff.

In February, the US Embassy in South Africa also warned American travellers about people posing as e-hailing drivers at the airport, without a confirmed booking.

HOW TO AVOID THE SCAM

• Book through the official app only, and never accept a lift from someone who approaches you in the terminal
• Check the driver’s name, number plate and car against the details in the app before you get in
• Never cancel an app booking because someone tells you to
• Don’t let anyone look at your phone to see your booking
• Use official pickup points, or arrange transport through an authorised kiosk inside the terminal
• Pre-book an airport transfer with a reputable operator, if you’d prefer not to use an app

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE BEEN SCAMMED

• Contact your bank immediately to dispute the charge
• Report it to airport security or ACSA
• Open a case with the South African Police Service (SAPS)