Scam in DenmarkTaxis
Taxi driver asks you to withdraw cash in Denmark
How it works
You try to pay by card, but the driver asks you to withdraw money from an ATM instead. This is described as mostly a scam to run the trip outside the licensed taxi system. Copenhagen taxis accept major international credit cards.
Warning signs
- The driver insists on an ATM withdrawal when you offer to pay by card.
- The driver pressures you to switch to cash.
How to avoid it
- Choose a licensed taxi with a taxi sign on the roof.
- Confirm card payment before the journey starts.
- Use a taxi booking app that shows the price before you book.
- Do not let a driver pressure you into withdrawing cash.
If it happens to you
Stay calm and ask to pay by card. Save the booking details and vehicle registration. If pressure continues, contact the taxi company and report suspected fraud to police.
- Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or let a dispute become a confrontation.
- Freeze missing payment cards and contact your card issuer. Report any payments you did not authorise.
- Save receipts, booking details, screenshots and vehicle details. Write down the time, place and what happened.
- Report theft or suspected fraud to police on 114. Call 112 if there is immediate danger or a serious emergency.
- Contact your insurer if you need to make a claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement advice.
Questions
What is the taxi driver asks you to withdraw cash scam in Denmark?
You try to pay by card, but the driver asks you to withdraw money from an ATM instead. This is described as mostly a scam to run the trip outside the licensed taxi system. Copenhagen taxis accept major international credit cards.
How can I spot it early?
The driver insists on an ATM withdrawal when you offer to pay by card. The driver pressures you to switch to cash.
How do I avoid taxi driver asks you to withdraw cash in Denmark?
Choose a licensed taxi with a taxi sign on the roof. Confirm card payment before the journey starts. Use a taxi booking app that shows the price before you book. Do not let a driver pressure you into withdrawing cash.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stay calm and ask to pay by card. Save the booking details and vehicle registration. If pressure continues, contact the taxi company and report suspected fraud to police.
Where in Denmark does this happen?
During taxi journeys in Copenhagen. It has been reported in Copenhagen.
How common is this scam in Denmark?
Occasional. Denmark is very safe, and tourist scams are not described as widespread. The main risks are pickpocketing, taxi drivers pushing for ATM cash, poor exchange deals and high prices in tourist areas.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 114 for non-emergency reports of theft or suspected fraud. Keep your evidence and ask for a report reference. Emergency services: call 112 for immediate danger or a serious emergency. The call is free and works from mobile phones without a SIM card. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a card and report payments you did not authorise. Taxi company or booking platform: report the journey through the booking app or the company's official contact channel. Include the booking reference, vehicle registration and receipt if available. Business involved: ask staff to explain a disputed bill or exchange transaction. Keep the receipt and request a correction if the charge differs from what was agreed. Embassy or consulate: if your passport is stolen, use your embassy or consulate's official contact details to ask about replacement travel documents. Travel insurer: contact your insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report reference.
What number do I call in an emergency in Denmark?
Emergency services: 112, Police non-emergencies: 114.
Reviewed by @snuck