Scam Alert: Fake Uber Drivers Exploiting Tourists at Cape Town Airport

Tourists and passengers are advised to be wary of drivers posing as Uber employees. After one digital creator and frequent traveler posted a social media warning about fake Uber drivers charging tourists between R2,300 and R4,200 for rides from Cape Town International Airport, Uber South Africa confirmed awareness of this scam scheme.

Digital creator Johan Van Schalkwyk noted on Facebook that the warning signs for passengers about the scam were extremely scarce. He stated that the temporary exit from the arrivals area at Cape Town International Airport creates a very negative first impression of the city of Cape Town.

Van Schalkwyk emphasized that despite a tiny printed notice about taxi scams, which is inconspicuous to travelers, fake 'Uber' drivers dressed in homemade badges reading 'Uber' openly approach near this exit and convince passengers they are 'official Uber airport drivers,' checking their phones for bookings.

Scale of the Problem

According to Van Schalkwyk, two days after the incidents, similar stories appeared in all traveler groups on Facebook. He cited an example where a ride should have cost R230, but R2,300 was charged to the card. He notes that such recurring and predictable cases happen constantly when returning through international terminals.

He added that he spends countless hours promoting this city, destination, and country internationally because he sincerely considers Cape Town one of the greatest tourist destinations.

Official and Company Response

Van Schalkwyk, who recently gave an interview on a local radio station, reported that unsuspecting travelers fell victim to these drivers, having to pay up to R4,200 for a trip. After he raised the issue, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and Cape Town Tourism installed new and more visible signs, and the temporary exit in the arrivals hall was closed, reverting to the original exit after a recent fire.

In response to Van Schalkwyk's warning, Uber SA told the Cape Argus that they are aware of the so-called 'fake drivers' and are working to resolve the issue. Uber SA stated that rides can only be taken when the passenger requests the ride through the Uber app and is matched with a driver in the app. The company also reminded that when requesting a ride, the passenger receives navigation instructions with clear pickup location details, images of the designated pickup zone, and a reminder not to interact with people offering rides outside the app.

The Western Cape E-hailing Association stated that it is unaware of these claims and urges passengers to report any incidents to ACSA or the police. ACSA did not comment by the time of publication.

iol.co.zaJuly 7, 07:00

KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma warns about fraud with fake fines

The KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC, Siboniso Duma, has issued a warning to the public regarding increasing schemes of fraud involving fake traffic fines. These schemes threaten arrest and aim to obtain citizens' personal banking information.

Fraud Warning

Siboniso Duma warned residents about the rise in such fraudulent schemes. He strongly urged people to verify any messages before making any payments. The Duma's warning came as the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) also alerted drivers about phishing SMS messages, emails, and fake websites. These tools are designed to deceive people into paying non-existent fines and stealing their bank account data.

Deception Mechanisms

Duma noted that they are recording an influx of complaints and inquiries concerning counterfeit fine notifications. Victims include not only motorists but also ordinary members of society who do not own vehicles. Many recipients of these messages face threats of arrest if they do not immediately settle the supposedly unpaid fines via fraudulent links. Duma emphasized that such links are used to steal confidential banking information.

Response and Awareness Measures

In response to this situation, Duma instructed the head of the Zibusiso Department to collaborate with the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) to conduct public awareness campaigns about this scam and legitimate payment methods. One common fraudulent SMS reads: 'Your traffic violation has been registered by the traffic control system. Please pay the amount due immediately,' after which it redirects the recipient to a suspicious web link.

RTMC reported that it has also discovered fraudulent emails disguised as official correspondence from the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS). These emails direct recipients to a fake website, very similar to the government platform, demanding immediate payment for alleged overdue fines. The Corporation stated that it does not send fine notifications to drivers through its RTMC online services website, and any fine allegedly received from the NaTIS platform should be considered fraud.

Legitimate Payment Methods

Duma reminded drivers that legal fines from cameras in KwaZulu-Natal can be paid at the Pinetown CCTV Office, through PayCity, via SpeedPoint during fine collection operations, or in the relevant court if a written notice was issued under Section 56. He also highlighted the province's 'Smart Roadblock' system, introduced last year, which allows drivers with unpaid fines to settle their accounts during roadside checks. Duma explained that the RTI uses an advanced digital device that identifies overdue fines, giving offenders the option to pay through PayCity using a QR code. RTMC strongly urges drivers to remain vigilant and ensure that any information regarding fines comes only through official channels before making a payment.