How to Protect Against Fake Screen Scams While Booking Uber Drivers: Safety Tips
In recent years, online cab booking apps have become increasingly popular in India. Today, the convenience of online cab booking is available in most major cities across India. With these apps, booking a cab has become incredibly simple and hassle-free.
A Boon for Areas with Limited Public Transport
These apps have proven to be very helpful in areas where public transport is not readily available. With features like GPS tracking and estimated travel time, users can also know the total fare beforehand. These apps become extremely convenient when traveling in new cities.
The Dark Side of Cab Booking Apps
However, incidents of cheating customers through these cab booking apps are also coming to light now. Just a few days ago, in Delhi, a case came to light where a fake screenshot was shown by an Uber driver to overcharge the customer. Similar complaints have also been received from Bengaluru. This practice by cab drivers is reprehensible.
Warnings and Precautions
Uber has issued a warning to passengers about this deception. Uber has stated that fake fare screenshots are a scam to charge customers more after they are dropped off. It is essential to be cautious and vigilant about such practices.
Expert Opinion – Ishaan Sinha, Cyber Expert (New Delhi)
Question: What is the Fake Fare Screen Scheme?
Answer: The Fake Fare Screen Scheme is a scam by cab drivers where they show passengers fake screenshots, which display higher fares after dropping them off. This often leads to significantly higher charges than the actual fare.
Question: How can we Avoid the Fake Fare Screen Scheme?
Answer: To avoid falling victim to the Fake Fare Screen Scheme, always verify the driver and car’s genuine information. Additionally, before providing OTP pin, ensure that the driver verifies the current location and destination in the application. Furthermore, before making payment, check if the fare shown by the driver matches the fare displayed on your mobile.
Question: What are the important things to consider after booking a cab online?
Answer: Booking cabs online has made our lives much easier. Now there’s no need to negotiate with cab drivers for fares.
However, when you’re alone or with family, there are several things to keep in mind.
Safety Precautions for Women During Online Cab Booking
Question: What precautions should women take when booking a cab online?
Answer: Even today, it’s not safe for women to travel alone in cabs late at night in many cities. In such situations, women should take special precautions, such as:
- Share cab or auto details with your family or friends.
- If you’re traveling late at night by cab or auto, share the ride with family or friends.
- Always keep pepper spray with you, so you can use it for self-defense if needed.
- While traveling in a cab, keep an eye on whether the driver is taking the correct route or not.
- Avoid any kind of conversation with the driver. You won’t ever agree to share personal details about where you’re going or where you’re coming from.
- Avoid using shared cabs at night.
- After getting into the cab, click a photo and send it to your family and friends.
- Cab drivers often suggest shortcuts. Always remember never to agree to these shortcuts. Especially when you’re new to the city.
- Keep the phone numbers of family members and nearby friends ready in your speed dial list, so in any emergency situation, you can call them with just one click.
- In case of any problem, you can also file a complaint with the women helpline number 1090.
