Fake Airport Transfer Scams
Unofficial 'taxi' and transfer touts who overcharge, reroute, or take prepayment and vanish.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
Fake airport transfer scams involve unofficial drivers or fake transfer companies who overcharge tired arrivals, take prepayments online and never show, or use rigged meters and detours.
How it works
Touts approach arrivals offering rides, or fake transfer sites take online prepayment. You may be massively overcharged, taken on long detours, or stranded when a prepaid driver never arrives.
Common red flags
- Drivers soliciting inside or just outside arrivals
- No meter, or a 'special' fixed price far above normal
- Prepaid transfer company with no verifiable presence
- Pressure to decide immediately
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Taxi sir? Best price, no meter needed, pay me now and we go — official taxis very expensive!
Payment methods used
- Cash
- Card
- Bank transfer
Who is usually targeted
- Arriving travellers
- Tourists unfamiliar with local fares
What to do immediately
- Use official taxi ranks, licensed apps, or your hotel's arranged transfer
- Agree fares or use a meter; keep receipts
- Report overcharging to local tourist police
Evidence to preserve
- Driver/vehicle details
- Receipts
- Booking confirmations
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
What's the safest way to get from the airport?
Use the official taxi rank, a licensed ride-hailing app, or a transfer pre-arranged through your hotel or a reputable provider. Avoid drivers who approach you inside the terminal.