Scam in MoldovaTaxis
Taxi driver leaves the meter off in Moldova
How it works
A driver may 'forget' to turn on the meter. Without a running meter, you lose the clear basis for checking the fare.
Warning signs
- The meter is off before you enter.
- The driver avoids your request to use the meter.
How to avoid it
- Ask the driver to turn on the meter before you enter.
- Choose another taxi if the driver refuses.
- Pay according to the amount shown on the meter.
- Carry small notes if paying cash.
If it happens to you
Ask the driver to use the meter. If a dispute develops, stay calm and keep the trip details and any receipt for a report.
- Move somewhere safe. Avoid chasing or confronting the person.
- Stop further payments. If a card or account is affected, contact your bank or payment provider immediately.
- Save messages, receipts, booking details and transaction records. Write down what happened while it is fresh.
- Report the scam or theft to police. Ask for a report reference or a copy for your insurer.
- Contact your embassy if your passport is missing or you need help dealing with officials.
- Tell your insurer and any booking or payment platform involved. Keep copies of all reports.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the taxi driver leaves the meter off scam in Moldova?
A driver may 'forget' to turn on the meter. Without a running meter, you lose the clear basis for checking the fare.
How can I spot it early?
The meter is off before you enter. The driver avoids your request to use the meter.
How do I avoid taxi driver leaves the meter off in Moldova?
Ask the driver to turn on the meter before you enter. Choose another taxi if the driver refuses. Pay according to the amount shown on the meter. Carry small notes if paying cash.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask the driver to use the meter. If a dispute develops, stay calm and keep the trip details and any receipt for a report.
Where in Moldova does this happen?
Taxis in Chișinău It has been reported in Chișinău.
How common is this scam in Moldova?
Occasional. Crime rates in Moldova are relatively low, and most visitors face little trouble. The main risks described are online romance and business scams, taxi drivers leaving meters off, and occasional demands for bribes from officials. Police corruption aimed at foreigners is described as rare in Chișinău.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report scams, theft or extortion and provide any evidence you have. Ask for a written report or reference. Your embassy: use the embassy contact number you saved before travelling. Seek help with a missing passport or problems involving officials. Your bank, card issuer or payment provider: use its official app or verified contact number. Report the transaction promptly, freeze affected cards and ask whether recovery is possible. The platform used for contact or payment: report the account through the platform's reporting tools. Save the conversation before blocking the account. Your travel insurer: contact its claims service and keep receipts, transaction records and any police report.
Reviewed by @snuck