Scam in JordanTaxis
Luggage held in the taxi boot in Jordan
How it works
After demanding an inflated fare, the driver refuses to open the boot and return your bags until you pay.
Warning signs
- The driver will not confirm the fare before departure.
- Your bags are locked in the boot while the meter remains off.
How to avoid it
- Keep your luggage with you where practical.
- Agree the fare or confirm meter use before loading bags.
- Use a driver recommended by your accommodation or another trusted contact.
If it happens to you
Avoid a physical struggle. Seek police help if your bags are being withheld, and call 911 if you are threatened.
- Get to a safe, public place. Avoid physical confrontation. Call 911 if you are threatened or in immediate danger.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, vehicle details and amount paid.
- Save receipts, screenshots, messages and booking records. Photograph relevant details only when safe.
- Contact your card issuer if your card was stolen or used without permission. Ask about freezing the card and disputing charges.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance.
- Contact the booking service, accommodation or transport platform involved. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the luggage held in the taxi boot scam in Jordan?
After demanding an inflated fare, the driver refuses to open the boot and return your bags until you pay.
How can I spot it early?
The driver will not confirm the fare before departure. Your bags are locked in the boot while the meter remains off.
How do I avoid luggage held in the taxi boot in Jordan?
Keep your luggage with you where practical. Agree the fare or confirm meter use before loading bags. Use a driver recommended by your accommodation or another trusted contact.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Avoid a physical struggle. Seek police help if your bags are being withheld, and call 911 if you are threatened.
Where in Jordan does this happen?
Unmetered taxis across Jordan.
How much can it cost me?
An example demand is 30 JD for a 10-minute ride.
How common is this scam in Jordan?
Common. Jordan is relatively safe, but tourist overcharging is common when prices are not agreed in advance. The main problems involve taxis, commission-driven recommendations and misleading offers; threats and serious cheating are rare.
Are there similar scams in Jordan?
Yes: taxi meter refusal and inflated fares, a whole-taxi price becomes a per-person price, bus-stop taxis claiming to be the official service.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 911 for police, paramedics or firefighting in an emergency. Police: report theft, fraud or threats. Bring receipts, screenshots, vehicle details and a written account. Ask for a report or reference number. Tourist police at Petra: seek help at the tourist police kiosk at Petra. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the contact number on your card to report theft or unauthorised charges and ask about payment disputes. Ride-hailing or booking service: use the support channel linked to your trip or booking. Include the agreed price, payment record and details of any extra demand. Airport security supervisor: for disputed confiscations at Aqaba airport, calmly request a supervisor, an explanation and a written record where possible. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help after a serious incident.
What number do I call in an emergency in Jordan?
Central emergency line: police, paramedics and firefighting: 911.
Reviewed by @snuck