‘I’m a travel expert – watch out for taxi scam at European airport’ | World | News

A travel expert has warned Brits to beware of a big taxi swindle at a major European airport. Tourist destinations attract a large number of visitors which can provide scammers with a steady stream of potential victims.  

And due to being unfamiliar with the local language, currency, and surroundings, visitors can be more vulnerable to deception and manipulation.

Now Magdalena Petrusic, a travel expert from Colosseum Tours & Tickets, has revealed a sinister taxi scam that’s taking place at Charles de Gaulle Airport, France.

The tour specialist said that it often occurs when a taxi driver takes longer routes or claims their meter is broken, resulting in a higher fare explained.

Ms Petrusic said: “Sometimes, they may demand an inflated price at the end of the journey.

“It has been reported that taxi drivers outside of the airport have been spotting unsuspecting tourists from the official taxi line in their own cars, which don’t have visible taxi meters inside.

“The driver is using a fake taxi meter app instead and charging an unreasonable price at the end of the journey.”

And she has advice for those who want to avoid being conned out of their holiday spending cash.

She said: “To avoid being a victim of this scam, always ensure the taxi you take gives you a quoted price before agreeing on the ride, and also provide the car with a proper meter inside that can be visible to passengers.”

The taxi scam has hit the headlines in previous years – in 2018 tourists were advised to be cautious after some were charged five times the cost of a trip from the airport to the city centre in Paris.

Official taxis in the city are subject to rules which see them charge a flat rate free for tourists leaving the airport.

It’s not the only criminal tricks unveiled by the travel expert who has warned about four other common diddles – from pickpockets in Las Ramblas in Barcelona to credit card scams in Budapest, Hungary.

She said: “European attractions experience peak tourist traffic during the summer months when families go on vacation, and the weather is generally favourable.

“Whilst there are common types of scams that will circulate throughout the year, there are also specific scams that will occur more frequently in certain tourist hotspots.

“Therefore, it is important to be aware of this if you are planning to visit one of the places rife with scams.”