A Bengaluru resident, Mahesh Suthar, recently uncovered an inventive scam being used by taxi drivers at Bengaluru airport. The scam involves the use of a fake Uber app to inflate taxi fares by ₹1,000. Suthar took to social media platform X to share his experience and raise awareness about the fraudulent activity.
How the Scam Works
Suthar detailed how he booked a taxi at Bengaluru airport, only to be charged an extra ₹1,000 by the driver. The driver used an app that closely resembled the official Uber app, called Blumeter, to appear legitimate. The trip began with the driver using the app to start the ride, but upon reaching the destination, Suthar was surprised to see the fare included an unexpected ₹1,000 surcharge.
When questioned, the driver claimed that the extra charge was due to GST (Goods and Services Tax) and insisted that the proper bill would be sent later. However, the driver could not provide any receipt at the moment, stating that the billing system was “broken” and that the receipt would be sent via email the next month.
The Fake Uber App: Blumeter
Mahesh explained that the driver used Blumeter, an Android app available on the Google Play Store, which mimics the official Uber interface. The app allows drivers to manually add additional charges, such as surge pricing, to their fares.
Suthar explained that the app shows a ‘trip start’ button to appear legitimate, then ends the ride with a much higher fare. If you ask for a proper bill, they’ll claim the system is down and promise you’ll get it next month.”
Rising Concerns: Why Are Taxis Using Apps Instead of Meters?
While many social media users shared similar experiences with the Blumeter scam, others questioned the use of apps in airport taxis at all. A commenter highlighted that Bengaluru airport taxis generally use a real meter instead of an app.
The discovery of such scams highlights the growing concerns over taxi services in the city and the importance of passengers staying vigilant when booking rides.
Protect Yourself from Taxi Scams
To avoid falling victim to similar scams, here are a few tips for passengers:
- Always request a meter fare when using official airport taxi services.
- Double-check the app: Make sure the app used by the driver is legitimate and not a clone.
- Ask for a bill: Ensure you receive a proper invoice at the end of the ride.
- Report suspicious behavior: If you suspect a scam, report it to local authorities or the ride-hailing company.
Also Read: Myntra Faces Massive Loss Due to Refund Scam: Over Rs 50 Crore Lost in Fraudulent Orders
Mahesh’s post serves as a warning for others to be cautious when taking taxis at Bengaluru airport, especially when unfamiliar apps are involved. Stay informed and keep an eye out for any irregularities in the fare or billing system.
