Beware: E-hailing scams costing tourists up to 2 000 euros in Cape Town

Tourists are being cautioned to be vigilant before tapping their credit cards.

This comes after a tourist was swindled out of  2 000 euros, almost R40 000, for an e-hailing vehicle drive from Cape Town International Airport to Cape Town central business district (CBD).

This was discussed during the monthly Cape Town Central police station’s Community Police Forum (CPF) meeting on Thursday, November 6. 

CPF chairman Marc Truss said tourists were being overcharged and that they needed to be made aware to look at the pay point before swiping. 

“Tourists are arriving in Cape Town, our beautiful city, one of the top in the world, and you arrive here, and you get a quote for transport to town.

“They don't take cash, only credit cards. When you arrive at your destination, the driver hits a thousand euro, 2000 euro charge,” he said.

Mr Truss told the CapeTowner that specific information about the incidents could not be shared, but advised partners and members of the public about criminal activities and that the word should be spread. 

"We want to ensure that our community at large is informed, thus safeguarding their safety and, more importantly, our guests or visitors to Cape Town," he said. 

Mr Truss said they are investigating cases of extortion, forcing travellers to pay outrageous rates, but no reports of violence or aggression.

Two months ago, Cape Town Tourism's destination safety manager, Jeremiah Foster, also mentioned visitors being charged high rates for e-hailing services. 

In September, a trip from the airport to the destination cost R19 000.

He said that alleged scamster e-hailing drivers were working together.

Last week, Mr Foster said it was a problem and that they were waiting on permits to do new videos to teach people the etiquette of what to do on arrival, to check their surroundings.

They have also heard of instances of overcharging from the Waterfront to spots in and around town. 

He said that they would meet with airport management and border control to inform tourists when they arrive. 

In response to a CapeTowner media enquiry regarding the latest incident, Cape Town Tourism said that they cared deeply for the safety and well-being of both visitors and locals. 

"We actively use all available channels to share practical advice and tips to help people stay vigilant and make informed choices, particularly when using e-hailing and other transport services," read the response.

They said that this was a global challenge.

"Our goal is to empower travellers with the information they need to enjoy Cape Town safely and confidently."

According to an article by Love Cape Town, with so many options, from airport transfer companies to metered taxis and various e-hailing service providers, it was easy to get lost when it came to pricing, routes, and potential scams when visiting a new destination.