23 May 2024 , 15:04
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Brits visiting a top holiday destination are being warned over a taxi 'scam'.
Tourists heading to Portugal are being targeted by unlicensed drivers in the new ploy to wrangle cash. The con artists have even reportedly been using fake meters in a bid to lure in visitors, but the scam is quickly realised when they demand exorbitant sums for the fare.
According to Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Noticias, there have already been multiple reports of people being hit by the scam after arriving at the airport in Porto. The fraudsters promise fares cheaper than the legal competition to lure people in, then intimidate their victims into paying up.
Details of the scam were revealed by a legitimate cabbie in a bid to prevent anyone heading to the destination this summer from falling victim, Birmingham Live reports. The driver said: "There are 20 or 30 people who constantly help each other, they have been helping each other for several years, but it has increased a lot in the last year.
"They show you a fake meter and then, when you get to the centre, they trick you and ask for more money." The driver added: "This is very bad for us."
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Travel expert Nicky Kelvin from the Points Guy UK explained why cabs can be so costly, and what people should do to keep costs down. Nicky said: "As a general rule, it's best to avoid cabs whenever possible in destinations that require haggling, especially if another language is involved as this is the easiest way to get overcharged."
He continued: "Taking the bus or train will often be your cheapest option, whether you're staying in a hotel or an Airbnb." He went on and said: "Utilising public transport is one of the easiest ways to travel around a country cost-effectively, especially as buses and metros/trains frequent popular tourist destinations and usually stop at nearby landmarks."