Crime watchdogs and local improvement districts in Cape Town are warning visitors to be cautious of fake e-hailing drivers and taxis operating at Cape Town International Airport. These scammers, some operating under the name of Uber, offer trips to accommodation facilities at inflated fares ranging from R10,000 to R25,000. The warning comes as the city approaches the busy summer tourism season.
According to Jacques Weber, group director and founder of Atlantic Seaboard Response and chairman of the Sea Point Central Improvement District, unsuspecting passengers are being coaxed into paying large amounts of money by scammers. The scammers charge an initial amount, then add an extra zero once the client completes the transaction. Hotel owners have alerted Weber to the latest developments, prompting him to take to social media to warn tourists.
Passengers are often targeted through unsolicited platforms or in and around the airport. In July, Airports Company South Africa enhanced passenger awareness of safety measures at Cape Town International Airport following concerns about fake Uber drivers overcharging travellers. The company has increased security visibility in key passenger areas and runs awareness initiatives to help travellers identify and avoid unauthorised transport providers.
Weber advises visitors to book transport through recognised ride-hailing or pre-booked transport services, or to use clearly marked and registered taxi and transport desks at the airport. He urges hotels, guest houses, and Airbnb hosts to remind their guests to use only authorised transport providers. ACSA has also warned that touting is a criminal offence under the Civil Aviation Act and its regulations.
A local hotel owner shared with Weber that scammers are charging travellers thousands of rands for trips. The hotel owner reported that scammers quote an initial amount, then add an extra zero to the amount once the guest pays. ACSA has implemented various measures to promote passenger safety, including signage warning travellers about the risks of touting and unauthorised transport operators.
ACSA's passenger safety awareness measures include increased security visibility, safety awareness messages on airport screens, pamphlets distributed at strategic points, and regular updates on social media platforms. The company encourages passengers to use authorised transport services and report any incidents to ACSA or the police. Uber SA has acknowledged the issue of fake drivers and is addressing it.
The Western Cape E-hailing Association has encouraged passengers to report incidents of fake drivers or overcharging to ACSA or the police. With the summer tourism season approaching, authorities are urging travellers to be vigilant when using transport services at Cape Town International Airport. KEY_POINT: Fake e-hailing drivers and taxis are operating at Cape Town International Airport, charging inflated fares of up to R25,000. KEY_POINT: Authorities have implemented measures to promote passenger safety, including increased security visibility and awareness initiatives. KEY_POINT: Travellers are advised to use authorised transport providers and report any incidents to ACSA or the police.
