Protect your wallet: How Aussies are being fleeced by ‘unscrupulous’ taxi drivers

Australia is a well-known tourist hotspot, famous for its beautiful beaches and diverse wildlife. However, it is also a place where tourists and locals alike fall prey to scams.

One of the most concerning issues is taxi overcharging, which has been a persistent problem in Sydney and perhaps other cities across the country.



The tales of taxi rip-offs are not new, but they seem to persist despite efforts to eliminate these dodgy practices.

Graham Cooke, Head of Consumer Research at Finder, expressed frustration over taxi rip-offs targeting him and people he knows in an article.


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Some taxi drivers in Australia overcharge passengers. Image source: Shutterstock



He recalled: ‘I had a frustrating battle to try and get a refund for a taxi after being blatantly overcharged after a night out in Sydney. I tapped my card without thinking at the destination and found I'd been charged $70 for a $25 fee.’

‘That was two years ago and I thought things had gotten better. So you can understand my shock when a family friend was charged $90 for a taxi ride from Sydney Airport to Kensington—a fare that should have cost around $40 in a taxi, and under $30 in an Uber.’



This is not an isolated case. Graham reported another similar incident where a colleague was overcharged $90 for a short trip from Newtown to Annandale, which should have cost $25.

‘How can Sydney claim to be a world-class city when tourists and locals alike are routinely fleeced by unscrupulous taxi drivers, or just flat-out refused?’ he asked.

Graham claimed that while many taxi drivers are honest and provide excellent service, the lack of transparent pricing and accountability in the industry creates opportunities for exploitation.

This is particularly true for those who might be tired after a long flight, less inclined to question a fare, or not familiar with alternative rideshare services.

He also painted a stark contrast with rideshare platforms, where users receive upfront fare estimates and benefit from a more streamlined refund process in case of any issues.

‘In the taxi industry, customers often face a confusing web of shifting responsibility, being passed between taxi companies, payment processors, and networks, all while nobody takes responsibility,’ he stated.



Despite the introduction of new regulations in May 2023 that impose a $1,000 fine on taxi drivers who refuse a ride or inflate a fare, overcharging still seems to be a persistent problem.

Over 520 taxi drivers in the state have been disciplined, yet the stories of overcharging continue to emerge.

More than that, Graham shared that obtaining a refund is challenging.

‘Despite keeping a receipt, I found getting a refund incredibly difficult,’ he said.


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Graham stated that getting a refund is challenging. Image source: Shutterstock



‘The taxi company and terminal operator denied responsibility, as did the [New South Wales] taxi regulator who told me they had no power to enforce the fare order.’

‘Only after contacting my credit card company, who for some reason had an easier time contacting the driver than the company he drove for, was I finally able to get a refund for the difference,’ he continued.

Graham stated that this situation underscores the need for more effective regulation.

‘It seems the current system is insufficient to deter dishonest taxi practices and the NSW government has been slow to enact meaningful reforms,’ he expressed.

‘Sydney's taxi sector needs an urgent overhaul before its reputation suffers irreparable damage,’ he added.



He also wrote that the Point to Point Transport Commissioner in NSW must be empowered to ensure drivers adhere to the Fares Order, and taxi companies should be required to provide clear fare breakdowns on receipts.

‘A system should be in place for questioning fares after the fact, and other states should follow suit,’ he said.

Graham shared steps on how to get your money back if you were overcharged by taxis:
  • If you’re travelling within a city, using a rideshare service might be a safer and less expensive option, but always check for surge pricing first.
  • If you notice a discrepancy in your fare, immediately question the driver.
  • Paying by credit card provides added protection. Always verify that the amount on the card terminal matches the amount on the meter, and request a receipt.
  • If you cannot resolve a taxi issue with the company, you can lodge a complaint with Fair Trading NSW or your local state equivalent.
  • The Australian Taxi Industry Association can assist only if the taxi is a member.
  • If you have exhausted all other options, then the last resort may be to raise a dispute with your credit card company.
‘In my opinion, Sydney deserves better,’ Graham said.

‘It's time the taxi industry embraced transparent pricing, customer service, and accountability. If they do not, they risk being left behind by changing technology and disillusioned customers,’ he added.
Key Takeaways
  • Taxi passengers in Sydney have reported being overcharged by drivers, which tarnishes the city's reputation as a welcoming international destination.
  • Although some taxi drivers provide honest services, a problem with transparency and accountability allows for passenger exploitation, especially among tourists.
  • New regulations introduced in May 2023 impose a $1,000 fine on taxi drivers who refuse rides or inflate fares, but enforcement remains an issue.
  • Graham Cooke argued that the Point to Point Transport Commissioner in NSW should ensure compliance with Fares Orders and that taxi companies provide fare breakdowns to protect customers’ rights.
Taxi scam are also prevalent in other travel destinations. In fact, Aussies visiting Bali are being cautioned about this scam, with reports of fake operators mimicking legitimate services.

Have you or someone you know been a victim of a taxi scam? Share your experiences and tips on how to avoid these situations in the comments below.
 
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Nothing has changed..back in the 80"s my partner and I arrested and charged 21 taxi drivers out of the one depot who defrauded the public purse after Wran introduced the 'Handicapped Taxi Voucher Scheme'. It was still going on after we were 'directed' to close the inquiry. There use to be 'Taxi Inspectors' who visited taxi ranks and watch that the drivers were doing the 'right thing'. Haven't spoken to or seen this happening for over 40yrs. Not a recent taxi user however, when growing up in the 60's I always saw the taxis at the ranks, always clean and polished, the drivers well dressed, collar/ties/long pants, winter time, later shorts and open shirts with long socks were allowed in summer, no eating in the cab when at the ranks. The last time I caught a cab, the driver was poorly dressed, shirt had not seen an iron, his meal was on the front passenger seat, the inside of the cab was in an unclean state and the interior smelled of stale body odour and sweat. To top it off the photo ID displayed did not match the driver. Contacted the Taxi Council and reported the matter and left particulars, apart from the 'indifference' from the person I spoke to didn't hear anything back and saw the same driver at the rank a couple of weeks later, no difference in appearance of him or the taxi. In some Countries I have visited taxis have to qualify to work in the 'tourist areas', by passing a number of exams in knowledge, appearance, taxi presentation and are checked on by Inspectors at random. They have a special badge/sticker displayed so you know that they are a trusted and promoted by the Tourist Authority. There are many good drivers here however, it the few who drag the industry down with the 'slackness' shown by the Minister and Regulatory authorities.
 
You’re lucky to be able to find a taxi where I live. A few of my elderly friends use them & have found that a lot of drivers will try & take the longest route home, but there’s no fooling these two. They know the city extremely well so the drivers get pulled into line very quickly. They actually have the phone numbers of a couple of drivers who always come when they call. Some people have been left waiting for up to an hour, sometimes taxis haven’t come at all. I dont know what’s happened to the taxi industry.
 
My daughter was charged $92 for a ride from the domestic terminal to Allawah. The bill even had a toll added on. She complained and eventually received a partial refund. The driver does not face any disciplinary action so will try to again.
 
Could get an estimate of cost before the journey and record it on the mobile.
l was in a taxi years ago travelling to Glenhaven at night and the taxi driver started talking really weird l was glad to get out.Everyone is so vulnerable and at their mercy especially young girls at night all should carry a pepper spray
 
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using cash will soon be obsolete within 6 to 12 months...best to use a uber , seem to be better run.....then the taxis will scream bloody murder...poor things...we certainly have a terrible taxi industry and no one seems to care, being one of the most expensive countries for travel (or everything else) australia is going to be the loser
 
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You’re lucky to be able to find a taxi where I live. A few of my elderly friends use them & have found that a lot of drivers will try & take the longest route home, but there’s no fooling these two. They know the city extremely well so the drivers get pulled into line very quickly. They actually have the phone numbers of a couple of drivers who always come when they call. Some people have been left waiting for up to an hour, sometimes taxis haven’t come at all. I dont know what’s happened to the taxi industry.
They're pissed off at UBER , so they take it off passengers.
 
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Do a Google Search for estimated costs to an Area ,ask Driver first for the approximate Cost ,if you know the amount already tell the Driver you do the Route all the time ,check the Metre as you go along, challenge the Driver take Photos ,contact your local MPs
 
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I got a debit on my credit card for a $200 taxi trip to Alexandria from what would appear to have been a taxi company called 13Cabs. I hadn't noticed it in my bank statement until recently. Trip was from Melbourne to Alexandria, according to the bank statement, which also mentioned the driver's licence. I had to look up Google maps to find out where was Alexandria. I am still awaiting a reply from 13Cabs that would explain the matter. And of course a refund, as I can prove my movements at the time.

Taxi drivers don't get paid much per hour, so someone wanted an Xmas gift at my expense. Pay by cash!
 
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It’s probably bc we have imported too many migrants who have come from countries where honesty is not valued nor practiced.
Waltzing Matilda! Pommie bastards! We stole 25% of the world when we were at our best! Perhaps someone in the Empire has Struck Back? Now about Thai and Vietnamese taxi drivers in their respective countries.........at least one KNOWS that they are trying to rip-off one.

Keep laughing!
 
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They're pissed off at UBER , so they take it off passengers.
Apparently we have very few taxi drivers in Launceston because a lot of people prefer Uber. I think a lot of them hang out at the airport so they can get a decent fare. A lot of seniors don’t go far & have those half price taxi cards which some drivers don’t like. Fortunately Ted & I can still drive so can get ourselves where ever we need to go. Another friend & her husband along with us manage to get us all to the airport when needed. We have great neighbours so we all manage to avoid taxis, thank goodness.
 
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Apparently we have very few taxi drivers in Launceston because a lot of people prefer Uber. I think a lot of them hang out at the airport so they can get a decent fare. A lot of seniors don’t go far & have those half price taxi cards which some drivers don’t like. Fortunately Ted & I can still drive so can get ourselves where ever we need to go. Another friend & her husband along with us manage to get us all to the airport when needed. We have great neighbours so we all manage to avoid taxis, thank goodness.
I wonder what is the cost of getting a licence to drive a taxi; a couple of drivers have told me that it is a trifle very expensive. Uber? Just an ordinary driving licence, I gather, as long as the driver has his own car and the paying passengers have their own hot-line to God that the driver has proper third-party passenger insurance for what is his business, driving his Uber-car. Same issue with AirBnB; if you don't have insurance cover for that BUSINESS you aren't covered by your standard household insurance.
 
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Could get an estimate of cost before the journey and record it on the mobile.
l was in a taxi years ago travelling to Glenhaven at night and the taxi driver started talking really weird l was glad to get out.Everyone is so vulnerable and at their mercy especially young girls at night all should carry a pepper spray
The London cabs have or had a fairly solid divide between the driver and the passengers and I assume that the passengers could lock their doors. In Victoria I once had an Ethiopian taxi driver who started to tell me about the war between Eritrea and Ethiopia, and by the time we had got to my destination he had a crazy look in his eyes and was talking heavily about that war; his look reminded me of dad in his later years at the times when the WW2-induced PTSD was catching up with him, yet again. PTSD leads to people re-living the experiences, literally seeing what was happening in the past as a hallucination, and that may also repeat itself many times in one "session", day or night; it must be terrifying.
 
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