Warning for Travellers: Uber Scam Surfaces in Romania and Portugal
British holidaymakers are being urged to exercise caution and plan their European excursions meticulously, following reports of a sophisticated Uber scam targeting unsuspecting tourists in Romania and Portugal. A recent social media post detailing a “shocking” ordeal in Bucharest has ignited concern among frequent travellers, highlighting a potential ruse involving cancellation fees and unusual payment demands.
The incident, shared by Facebook user Stacey Nuttall in the popular “Extreme Day Trips” group, involved an attempt to return from a spa visit in Bucharest. Nuttall, who frequently embarks on day trips to major cities, noted that travellers on such short excursions might be particularly vulnerable, often opting for taxis over public transport to ensure they reach their flights on time.
Nuttall recounted her experience after visiting Therme Bucharest, the largest indoor spa in Europe, in February. She explained that upon booking an Uber at approximately 10 pm, the driver arrived promptly. However, shortly after they entered the vehicle, the driver allegedly realised they were English and pulled over, informing them of a “problem.”
The driver then claimed that the fare displayed on Nuttall’s Uber app was “incorrect” and demanded a higher payment in cash to continue the journey. When Nuttall refused to comply with this demand, she stated that the driver instructed them to exit the vehicle.
Left stranded and without cash as it was back at her hotel, Nuttall attempted to book another taxi through an app, favouring digital payment methods. However, she hesitated to pay extra for what appeared to be a fixed fare. She described the situation as “shocking” and highlighted her disbelief at being charged a cancellation fee for a ride from which she was effectively ejected. Her attempts to book a subsequent Uber also resulted in cancellations and further cancellation fees, raising suspicions of a coordinated effort.
Nuttall reported being approached by four different taxi drivers who insisted on alternative payment methods, including upfront cash, Apple Pay, or Revolut. She expressed her belief that the situation felt “very set up,” with rides being accepted only to be cancelled, followed by demands for more cash.
Eventually, Nuttall managed to secure a ride to her hotel with a taxi driver who did not appear to be affiliated with Uber. During the journey, the driver suggested that government taxes on taxi drivers might contribute to their financial struggles, potentially leading to such demands.
Nuttall cautioned that while this was her first such experience in Bucharest after multiple visits, the circumstances – late at night, near a spa closing time, with travellers likely cold and eager to get home – might have made them more susceptible to such scams. Her advice to fellow travellers includes:
- Leaving the spa well before closing time: This reduces the desperation of travellers wanting to get home quickly.
- Considering public transport: If a bus route serves the location, it could be a safer and more reliable option.
- Remaining vigilant: Being aware of potential scams and not succumbing to pressure for additional payments.
- Leaving tips for taxi drivers: Nuttall noted that tips can make a significant difference to drivers.
It remains unclear whether Nuttall contacted Uber to seek a refund for the cancelled trips.
Echoes of Similar Experiences
The concerns raised by Nuttall resonated with other travellers who shared their own unsettling encounters in Romania and Portugal.
- One user recounted a similar incident at the Bucharest spa, where a taxi driver attempted the same tactic. They managed to rebook another ride without issue but acknowledged hearing about such scams happening in various countries.
- Another individual experienced a similar situation around 6 pm. They described the encounter as “infuriating and so rude” and were fortunate to catch a bus instead, deeming the drivers’ behaviour highly suspicious.
In Faro, Portugal, a holidaymaker reported facing a similar predicament at the airport. Multiple drivers accepted their booking only to cancel, leading to over an hour of trying to find a ride. They also described a common scam where drivers fail to appear at the designated pick-up point, requesting passengers to walk considerable distances, only to then drive away without collecting them. This user also noted multiple taxi fares being debited from their account due to these “games.”
A spokesperson for Uber acknowledged the described behaviour as “completely unacceptable” and stated that the company has clear rules regarding payments and cancellations. They assured that Uber would investigate all reports of this nature and take appropriate action, emphasising their commitment to providing a safe and welcoming service for all riders.
