Cab Drivers in Guwahati Fall Prey to Online Booking Scam

The police have received several complaints and advised caution while accepting online bookings.

Cab Drivers in Guwahati Fall Prey to Online Booking Scam

Guwahati: Cab drivers in Guwahati have fallen prey to a group of fraudsters who have been booking rides on popular ride-hailing services Ola and Uber only to rob the drivers of thousands of rupees. The criminals, including several women, have been using a particular method wherein they book the ride online and then contact the driver claiming to have a sick relative admitted to a hospital.

Once the driver reaches the location, the fraudsters call and ask for monetary help, stating that they will deposit an amount in the driver's bank account via another account. They then ask the driver to transfer the amount to a QR code they provide, claiming that their bank account is not working. The victims receive a message saying that the amount has been deposited in their account and transfer the money to the QR code. However, the credited message is later found to be fake.

By the time the driver realizes that they have been scammed, the fraudsters have already cancelled the booking and turned off their phones. Many drivers have lost thousands of rupees in this scam. The police have received several complaints against these fraudsters, and cases have been registered at Dispur, Paltan Bazar, and Chandmari police stations in Guwahati.

It is crucial for cab drivers and the public to be aware of such scams and exercise caution while accepting online bookings. The police have advised the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. Such cases of fraud are becoming increasingly common in Guwahati, and the police are taking steps to catch the culprits and put an end to these scams.

In conclusion, cab drivers in Guwahati must be careful while accepting online bookings to avoid falling victim to this fraudulent scheme. The public must also remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately. The police are taking action to apprehend the fraudsters and stop them from scamming more innocent people.