Taxi Scam

[Jacqui Harvey]

I thought long and hard about reporting this Scam as we consider ourselves to be quite well travelled and savvy.  I don't want members to think we are a pair of thickos, but I decided to report it as it may help other members.
We had been staying in Istanbul for a few days in June this year.  We had enjoyed a great break and were in a relaxed mood.   The Hotel rang a taxi to take us to the airport to return to Dalaman.  The taxi driver was friendly and chatty.
When we got to the Airport my husband gave the taxi driver a 50 tl note. He put it on his lap and spoke to us for a minute and then the driver showed us a 5 TL note and told us we had made a mistake. We apologised.  My husband then gave the taxi driver a 50 TL note and the taxi driver gave him change.
When we got into the airport it dawned on us that we had been conned and boy did we feel stupid.   My husband decided he wanted to ring the taxi driver's neck.
Now for the good part. After being in Calis for a further week we returned to the U.K. I decided to email Hotel in Istanbul and tell them what had happened to us so they could warn other tourists.
We had a reply from the Hotel who had immediately checked their CCTV camera picked up an image of the taxi driver.  They rang they Company he worked for and brought the boss into the Hotel to see the footage. The Taxi Company Boss explained they had sacked the guy one week before for doing exactly the same thing to someone else. The Taxi Company asked the Hotel to apologise to us and refund our money. They sent us the refund the next week.
We have since found out that this taxi scam is happening quite a lot in Istanbul.
So beware if you are handing a large note to a driver... keep a hold of it until he finds the change.

[Rindaloo]

It's so good to see someone able to say they had a problem and it was resolved, for once.  Thanks for the warning.

[Scunner]

I don't think you are a pair of thickos Jacqui. A similar version of this scam was rife in the UK not so long back. There was one where people were standing at busy bars waving a £50 note around, trying to get the attention of bar staff. Throughout being served the £50 note was held up in full view. When the total amount for the drinks was asked for, the £50 was switched for a tenner. Having been very conscious of the £50 note throughout, and incredibly busy, bar staff gave change for a £50 note. This was very common at one time.

[KKOB]

It's one of the oldest tricks about and an easy way to counter it is, as you hand over the money, say the value of the note out loud, make eye contact, and then release the note.

[Scunner]

That wouldn't work in the bar scam KKOB, shouting out "TEN POUNDS" might just blow it  

[dycedon]

Jacqqui, on the other hand i went into the cobblers in Fethiye, the one next to to baby shops, i had to pick up a pair of shoes for my mate, the price 2TL, i gave the guy what i thought was a 5TL note, he gave me 48TL change, i asked him if this was correct he replied yes you gave me a 50 TL note, there is honesty for you, by the way its a great shop and the guy is friendly, everything takes an hour. Jim S

[Jacqui Harvey]

quote:Originally posted by KayaKoyuOldBoy

It's one of the oldest tricks about and an easy way to counter it is, as you hand over the money, say the value of the note out loud, make eye contact, and then release the note.

Just why I thought twice about reporting this.  I knew I would get a reply like this one.   We all know to be careful with large notes.
However, we can be taken off guard and make a mistake.  I thought it would be good to warn people.

[dycedon]

Any warning is a good warning.

[Sharon_Lawtey]

it is good that you actually took action and rang the hotel,maybe he will think twice next time,i  think if all of us are honest we can all say we have let our guard slip at some point, glad you got your money back

[june]

Thanks for the warning Jacqui, it something that you do not really think about at the time....I am so pleased that the Hotel listened and took action.....