A businessman from Australia was scammed by a taxi driver at Mumbai’s international airport on December 15, 2024, when he was charged an inflated fare of Rs 2,800 for a short 10-minute ride to a hotel in Vile Parle. The driver, Vinod Goswami (32), used a counterfeit app that displayed the inflated fare, deceiving the NRI passenger, D Vijay, who was visiting India after three years. The victim, a resident of Nagpur, was unaware of the fraud until he spoke to the hotel staff, who informed him that the actual fare for the same journey was only Rs 700.
Vijay, after realizing the overcharge, filed an email complaint to Mumbai police, providing the driver’s contact details and vehicle information. Based on the complaint, the Sahar police quickly apprehended Goswami within 12 hours. The authorities also seized his vehicle.
Vijay recounted his experience, explaining that when he was approached by Goswami at the airport, he noticed prepaid counters but chose to hire the driver, thinking it was safer. During the ride, Goswami told him about the fare, but Vijay did not question it, fearing the driver might ask him to get off midway. It was only after reaching the hotel and consulting the staff that he realized he had been charged an exorbitant amount.
This scam follows a similar incident just days earlier on December 17, when an autorickshaw driver, Ritesh Kadam (26), was arrested for robbing a US-based student, Vishwajeet Patil, of Rs 3,500. Patil, returning from the United States to his hometown in Sangli, was targeted by Kadam, who believed the student would not report the crime. However, Patil’s quick action led to the driver’s arrest.
Following the two incidents, the Sahar police intensified their operations against fraudulent taxi and auto drivers operating late at night and early morning hours at the airport. Over the course of two days, police took action against nine such drivers, seizing their vehicles and issuing warnings. The authorities have also deployed plainclothes officers to monitor these areas and prevent further scams.
Vijay, the NRI businessman, recommended improved signage and better staffing at the airport to help tourists avoid such scams. He also suggested the installation of more help desks to assist incoming passengers. Both he and Patil, the student victim, emphasized that many such fraudulent incidents go unreported, emboldening the scammers. This has led the police to enhance surveillance at key locations to protect unsuspecting passengers, particularly those unfamiliar with the city.
In light of these incidents, it is crucial for tourists and residents alike to stay vigilant and aware of the growing number of frauds taking place, especially at major transit points like Mumbai airport. Authorities continue to work towards improving security measures and ensuring a safer experience for all passengers.
