Bangalore man claims airport taxi drivers use fake apps to overcharge passengers

Last update:December 17, 2024, 4:47 p.m. IST

A man from Bengaluru shared a post about airport taxi drivers using fake apps to overcharge passengers.

Mahesh shared that he was charged an extra Rs 1,000 at the end of the ride. (Photo credits:

A Bengaluru man recently opened up about an unusual scam in which he claimed that taxi drivers were using fake apps to overcharge customers. Mahesh took to social media platform X to warn others about this “inventive scam” he encountered at Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport. In his post, Mahesh explained that he had booked a taxi from the airport and everything seemed normal initially. But the driver used an app called Blumeter that looks almost identical to the Uber app to begin the trip. It was only after reaching his destination that Mahesh realized something was wrong when he was charged an extra 1,000 rupees.

“What an inventive new scam from BLR airport taxis today. This guy showed me an exact replica of the Uber app when he started and ended the trip with an extra $1,000. He said the surcharge was due to GST and when I asked for the bill he said I would have it next month. So cute,” he wrote in his post. However, Mahesh pointed out that the driver never asked for his email address or phone number.

Mahesh further explained how the scam works by writing, “They use an Android app called Blumeter which is similar to Uber. They will view and click the start journey button to build credibility. And then later, they will end the trip on the same app which shows a much higher amount.”

When asked for a proper bill, he mentioned that drivers dodge questions and quote technicians.

cal problems. “If you ask for a proper invoice, they will tell you that the billing system is currently broken. You will receive the invoice by email next month,” Mahesh wrote.

He also shared a photo of the taxi and driver involved in the scam, as well as a screenshot of the Blumeter app available on the Google Play Store.

Mahesh’s post attracted considerable attention online, with many social media users sharing their reactions in the comments section. One user jokingly wrote: “Bill next month? It’s just their way of saying we believe in long-term customer relationships. »

Another, sharing their experience, wrote: “I booked a real airport taxi from T2 through the staff, with a metered fare, but ended up paying almost Rs 800 more as the estimated cost without any way of verifying it. I kept thinking I had been scammed, but I didn’t have the energy to inquire and was just happy to be home. »

“New scams are happening every day in India, the government, police and judiciary are failing to make this country a safe place for citizens,” one person commented.

One individual remarked, “Another day, another scam method,” while another added, “New scam alert!” This is happening more these days. »

The post has racked up over 4 lakh views so far.