Man lands in Bengaluru airport and shares how he got scammed by fake cab driver: 'Felt helpless'

In today’s world, where fake calls and digital frauds are on the rise, the average person isn’t just vulnerable online—they're also at risk while navigating everyday spaces. A troubling incident recently came to light on the Bengaluru subreddit, where a Reddit user recounted being deceived by a man pretending to be a cab driver. The experience, which unfolded in the early hours of the morning, serves as a stark reminder of how easy it is to fall prey to scammers, especially when tired and unaware.

The user had just landed at Kempegowda International Airport around 3 a.m. and arranged a cab through the Uber app, which showed a fare of Rs 800. While waiting at the official ride-hailing pickup area, a stranger approached and claimed he was the assigned driver. He mentioned that his vehicle was parked at a short distance away, and the traveler, assuming this was part of standard procedure, followed him without much thought.

The man appeared trustworthy and asked for the security OTP linked to the ride. However, midway through the interaction, he stepped aside to take a call. Roughly ten minutes into the ride, he asked for the OTP once more, saying the previous one hadn’t gone through. This time, the passenger noticed something suspicious—the app on the supposed driver's phone didn’t resemble the usual Uber interface. That moment triggered doubt.

Sensing hesitation, the imposter abruptly suggested canceling the cab booking and instead use, another ride service, for which he claimed the fare would be nearly Rs 1600—double the original price. The victim, who didn’t have the app installed, declined the option.

Still, the scammer continued to pressure the passenger to pay a higher amount than the initial fare. After a tense exchange, and feeling stuck in a vulnerable position, the individual ended up handing over Rs 1000—more than the original Uber cost but less than what the fake driver was demanding. The sense of being cheated lingered long after the ride ended.

This encounter highlights a crucial safety lesson for anyone using ride-hailing apps, especially during late hours. Always confirm the driver's name, vehicle number, and app interface before stepping into any car. Never share your OTP unless you’ve verified the driver through the app itself. A little extra caution could mean the difference between a safe journey and an expensive mistake.

Stay alert. Cross-check everything. Because in a world full of impersonators, even a moment of trust can come with a heavy price.