Scam in GreeceTaxis
Charging one travelling group several taxi fares in Greece
How it works
Some waiting drivers seek several passengers travelling in the same direction so they can collect several fares. Separate groups sharing a taxi may pay separately, but friends or family travelling together should pay one fare for their group.
Warning signs
- A driver wants a separate fare from each person in your group.
- The driver is gathering several passengers but will not explain the charges.
How to avoid it
- Confirm that your whole group will pay one fare.
- Have one person hail the taxi and agree the arrangement before the others get in.
- Ask how payment works before sharing with strangers.
If it happens to you
Ask for a receipt and record the number plate. Report suspected fare fraud to the tourist police.
- Get to a safe public place. Avoid confronting thieves or anyone threatening you. Call 112 if there is immediate danger.
- Check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about disputed payments.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, bills, booking details and payment records. Write down the time, place and descriptions.
- Report the incident to police. For taxi fare fraud, keep the number plate and receipt and contact the tourist police on 171.
- If your passport or identity document is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement guidance.
- Contact your insurer if you have cover. Keep the police report reference and copies of any supporting documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the charging one travelling group several taxi fares scam in Greece?
Some waiting drivers seek several passengers travelling in the same direction so they can collect several fares. Separate groups sharing a taxi may pay separately, but friends or family travelling together should pay one fare for their group.
How can I spot it early?
A driver wants a separate fare from each person in your group. The driver is gathering several passengers but will not explain the charges.
How do I avoid charging one travelling group several taxi fares in Greece?
Confirm that your whole group will pay one fare. Have one person hail the taxi and agree the arrangement before the others get in. Ask how payment works before sharing with strangers.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for a receipt and record the number plate. Report suspected fare fraud to the tourist police.
Where in Greece does this happen?
Outside the ferry port in Piraeus at night. It has been reported in Piraeus.
How common is this scam in Greece?
Occasional. Greece is generally safe, with low rates of theft and violent crime, but travellers can still face scams and overcharging. Watch for friendly strangers leading you to expensive bars, taxi fare tricks, counterfeit goods and notes, and theft in crowded places.
Are there similar scams in Greece?
Yes: unregulated airport taxis and double-fare claims, wrong taxi meter rate and extra charges, inflated fixed taxi fare.
Who can I report it to?
Tourist police: call 171 to report taxi fare fraud. Give the number plate and receipt details. Kavala also has a Tourist Police Station on Omonia Street. Police: call 100 for police assistance. Report theft, threats, counterfeit money or fake police approaches, and ask for a report reference. Emergency services: call 112 for an emergency requiring police, ambulance or fire services. The call is free. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze missing cards and report disputed payments. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if identity documents are stolen or you need consular help. If detained, ask to speak to your consulate. Travel insurer: use the claims contact in your policy. Provide the police report reference, receipts and payment records where available.
What number do I call in an emergency in Greece?
Emergency services: police, ambulance and fire: 112, Police: 100, Tourist police: taxi fare fraud reports: 171, Ambulance: 166, Fire: 199, Coast Guard: 108.
Reviewed by @snuck