Police Respond After Foreign Tourist Claims Taxi Driver Charged ₹18,000 For 400 m Distance In Mumbai

It is sadly not uncommon for some Indians to overcharge or scam foreign tourists whenever they get the opportunity. In a recent incident, a taxi driver allegedly charged a foreign tourist a shocking Rs 18,000 for a mere 400-metre ride to a Hilton hotel in Mumbai. Sounds unbelievable? That’s exactly what the tourist claimed in a post shared on social media platform X, sparking outrage online. The Mumbai Police has taken cognisance of the viral complaint by reacting to the tweet.

Foreign Tourist’s Mumbai taxi scam sparks outrage, tweet goes viral

Scams involving foreign tourists are not just individual crimes — they often end up tarnishing India’s reputation on a global stage. While many Indians are warm and welcoming, repeated incidents of cheating visitors create a negative impression that travels far beyond social media. Unfortunately, people often overlook how such actions impact the country’s image, tourism, and international trust.

In a recent shocking case, a foreign tourist alleged that she was scammed by a taxi driver shortly after landing in Mumbai. What should have been a simple 400-metre ride to a Hilton hotel reportedly turned into an expensive and frightening experience. According to her viral post on X, she and her companion were first taken to an unknown location before being dropped at their hotel — after being charged an outrageous amount.

Sharing her experience online, the tourist wrote,

“Landed in Mumbai recently, took a taxi to the Hilton Hotels. The driver and another guy took us to an unknown location first, charged us $200 (Rs 18,000) and then dropped us at the hotel, which was only 400m away.”

The post, which also mentioned the taxi number, quickly gained traction and sparked widespread anger, with many calling for strict action to prevent such incidents in the future.

Have a look at her whole tweet

The tourist named Argentina Ariano also attached photographic evidence with her tweet to corroborate her claims. Here, check it out,

Landed in Mumbai recently,took a taxi to @HiltonHotels. The driver and another guy took us to an unknown location first, charged us $200 (₹18,000) and then dropped us at the hotel which was only 400m away. Taxi No:MH 01 BD 5405 @MumbaiPolice #scam @CPMumbaiPolice @MTPHereToHelp pic.twitter.com/4X1uNKW3jg

— Argentina Ariano (@ArgentinaAriano) January 26, 2026

Mumbai Police reacts after tourist’s scam tweet goes viral

Soon after the foreign tourist’s post gained widespread attention on social media, the Mumbai Police stepped in and acknowledged the complaint online. Responding to her tweet, the police wrote,

“We have followed you. Please share your contact details in DM.”

By writing so, the police signalled that the matter was being taken seriously.

Request you to report the matter at nearest Police Station where the incident occurred.

— Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) January 26, 2026

While the response reassured many users that authorities were aware of the incident, there has been no official update so far regarding any concrete action taken in the case. The silence since then has left netizens wondering about accountability and the outcome of the complaint.

Here’s how netizens reacted to the viral tweet

Following the viral post, netizens flooded the comment section with mixed reactions — ranging from outrage and concern to sarcasm and personal experiences. Here’s a look at some noteworthy comments that grabbed attention online,

Welcome to India. Your training & your experience just started.

— Mon Sol (@monusohal) January 27, 2026

wait come again? how much?

— The Spectator (@the__spectator) January 27, 2026

Happened with me in 2003 in Mumbai 🥲.. I thought it has changed by now

— Ganesh Pai (@ganeshppai) January 27, 2026

Mumbai airport taxi service is a scam! I’ve only had bad experience with both Ola & Uber from here with different cars showing up with different number plates under excuses.

I’m not surprised here, just sad this is the first experience travellers have to face.

— Ajinkya 🏴‍☠️ (@aj_ryoko) January 27, 2026

This is very unlike Mumbai. A shame.

— Santanu (@santanu68) January 27, 2026

We never expect visitors to be scammed like this, Mumbai Police, kindly take a strict legal action and arrange for the refund.

— Dr. Priya Verma (@AapkiPriyaa) January 27, 2026

Why don’t people take Uber directly lol

— Shrikant Soni (@sss26888) January 28, 2026

Sorry for these negative experiences you faced in my country…. @MumbaiPolice you can act here via number plate too.

Don’t harass the tourist.

— Adv Ajit Shinde (@advAjitShinde) January 27, 2026

Incidents like these raise serious concerns about how tourists are treated and the need for stricter accountability. What are your thoughts on this case? Do share your views in the comments below.