A Student Books An Ola Ride For ₹730, Receives A Bill Of ₹5,194. Here Are Ways To Avoid Such Scams

The emergence of the cab-riding system marked a transformative shift in the transportation industry. It provided individuals with convenient and on-demand access to transportation services. The emergence of ride-hailing apps such as Ola, Uber, and others completely changed how people moved around cities.

Several reasons, including the introduction of smartphones and the creation of user-friendly mobile applications, contributed to its emergence. These applications enabled customers to easily request trips, track their drivers in real-time, and conduct cashless transactions. This technological integration significantly enhanced the overall user experience, making it an attractive alternative to traditional taxi services.

Beyond that, its popularity was aided by its accessibility and the assurance of reduced wait times and door-to-door service. Although the cab riding system was initially successful, a number of issues ultimately caused it to collapse. One prominent issue was the vague payment system in cabs. Payment inflation in the taxi system, which was previously unheard of, has become a concerning trend. Nevertheless, it raises questions about the dependability and openness of this once-revolutionary form of transportation.

Once blissfully ignorant of the complexities involved in calculating fares, users are now being taken advantage of by a covert dance of algorithms that double the price of their journeys unfairly.

A Bengaluru student when he got a bill of Rs 5000 for a ride that he booked for Rs 730

In Bengaluru, a college student named Anurag Kumar Singh was recently involved in an unforeseen fare dilemma. Upon landing at Kempegowda airport from Kolkata, Singh opted for ‘mini’ taxi through the app and boarded the first available cab at the designated taxi bay.

To his surprise, the fare that appeared on the app was a very affordable Rs 730. Nevertheless, Singh was met with an outrageous demand of Rs 5,000 by the driver when he arrived at his destination in the Mathikere. Speaking to the Times of India (TOI), Singh told about his bewildering experience, saying,

“He found my name on the app after typing the OTP. When we reached the location, he showed me his phone screen and the amount was Rs 5,194. I was shocked because even if I roam around all of Bengaluru, I wouldn’t have to pay Rs 5,000.”

Cab driver agreed to Rs 1,600 for the ride

When Singh looked through his own phone, he discovered something shocking: the trip had been canceled, and he had not been legally booked as a passenger. Drawing from a habit of taking screenshots post-booking, Singh realized that discrepancies in fare could be reported to the customer support of the cab aggregator.

Singh’s lack of Kannada proficiency created a linguistic barrier that made things even more complicated. He went to his neighbors for help. After negotiating with the driver, they were able to agree to Rs 1,600, which was twice the rate that had been offered.

Singh underscored the lack of responsiveness from Ola concerning his complaints lodged through the app and social media. This instance highlights the difficulties that travelers encounter when dealing with unforeseen price differences. It also highlights how urgently ride-hailing services must respond. As of now, Ola has yet to provide a statement in response to the unfolding situation.

I faced a fraud act from ola service from bangalore airport to my house the amount was 730 and the end result was 5194. I was mentally harassed and my trip was spoiled @ola_supports @ConsumerRightX
It’s been 24 hours no help till now i paid 1600 to the cab driver-my no 7004966941 pic.twitter.com/e4r5RPtXf3

— Anurag Kumar (@AnuragK95546108) January 18, 2024

However, you can save yourself from such fraud by taking some easy measures.

How can you save yourself from such price inflation frauds while riding a taxi?

To safeguard yourself from tax exaggeration fraud in the cab riding system, employ a combination of precautionary measures, which are given below:

• Use the app’s fare estimates tool to estimate expenses before confirming a journey.
• Check that the driver’s details on the app match the real information by verifying their name and license plate.
• Capture screenshots of the ride information, keep an eye on the route while traveling, and turn on GPS tracking.
• During busy hours, beware of surge pricing and make sure your account is linked to a safe payment method.
• Learn the company’s policies, report any inconsistencies right away, and keep yourself updated on any modifications to the terms of service.
• Start and end your ride with OTP provided from the cab aggregator company.

Together, these actions raise awareness and alertness, fostering a more secure and open taxi ride experience.