Scam in South KoreaTaxis
Being steered towards a more expensive taxi in South Korea
How it works
Travellers who look foreign may be directed towards a black deluxe "mobeom" taxi. These taxis are legitimate but cost more. There is no need to use one simply because you are a visitor.
Warning signs
- Someone directs you towards a black deluxe taxi when you wanted a regular taxi.
- The cheaper regular taxi option is not explained.
How to avoid it
- Choose a regular taxi if that suits your budget.
- Check the taxi type before getting in.
- Do not feel obliged to take the vehicle someone points out.
If it happens to you
Before the ride begins, say that you want a regular taxi and choose one. Being directed to a deluxe taxi does not by itself mean the taxi is fraudulent.
- Move to a safe place. Avoid arguments or physical confrontation. If you are threatened or cannot leave, call police on 112.
- Write down what happened while you remember it. Save receipts, messages, payment records and any booking details.
- Record useful details safely, such as the vehicle number or business name. For a suspected taxi rip-off in Seoul, photograph the driver's ID above the glove box if safe.
- If a card or phone is missing, contact your card issuer and secure affected accounts. Ask about disputing any payment you did not authorise.
- Report the incident to police. Ask for an interpreter if needed and keep any report reference. Report a taxi complaint to the taxi company too.
- Contact your insurer if you may claim for a loss. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement advice.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the being steered towards a more expensive taxi scam in South Korea?
Travellers who look foreign may be directed towards a black deluxe "mobeom" taxi. These taxis are legitimate but cost more. There is no need to use one simply because you are a visitor.
How can I spot it early?
Someone directs you towards a black deluxe taxi when you wanted a regular taxi. The cheaper regular taxi option is not explained.
How do I avoid being steered towards a more expensive taxi in South Korea?
Choose a regular taxi if that suits your budget. Check the taxi type before getting in. Do not feel obliged to take the vehicle someone points out.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Before the ride begins, say that you want a regular taxi and choose one. Being directed to a deluxe taxi does not by itself mean the taxi is fraudulent.
Where in South Korea does this happen?
Taxi ranks in Busan It has been reported in Busan.
How much can it cost me?
Busan deluxe taxis start above ₩7,000 for the first 3 km. Regular taxis start at ₩4,800 for the first 2 km.
How common is this scam in South Korea?
Occasional. South Korea is generally very safe, and tourist scams are occasional rather than widespread. Watch for taxi overcharging, unlicensed taxis, fake monks asking for money, and friendly invitations to ceremonies that end with a payment demand. Pickpocketing is not very common in Seoul, but keep your belongings secure.
Are there similar scams in South Korea?
Yes: unlicensed taxis, inflated taxi fares and refusal to use the meter, taxi detours to increase the fare.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 112 for a police emergency. For non-emergency police enquiries, call 110. You can also visit a district police station. Police have interpreters on call. Taxi company: report the journey details, receipt and vehicle information. For a suspected rip-off in Seoul, include a photograph of the driver's ID above the glove box if you obtained one safely. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze a missing card, report unfamiliar payments and ask about a dispute. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is lost or stolen. Use its official contact details. Travel insurer: contact your insurer through your policy's claims channel. Keep police report details, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in South Korea?
Police emergency: 112, Non-emergency police enquiries: 110, Fire and ambulance: 119.
Reviewed by @snuck