13cabs report record number of complaints of dodgy taxi operators scamming customers in Sydney

“Fake taxi” operators are increasingly becoming active across Sydney a leading cab company has warned, with a record number of complaints about “dodgy trips” received in recent months.

A 13cabs taxi driver. Photo: Andrew J Morley

“Fake taxi’” operators are increasingly becoming active across Sydney, a leading cab company has warned, with a record number of complaints about “dodgy trips” received in recent months.

13cabs, one of Australia’s leading taxi companies, says it has been inundated with complaints about the dodgy operators, describing the dubious practice as “unAustralian”.

The taxi company says fake websites, often using misspelt names, masquerade as authorised companies and send online bookings to a group of drivers via WhatsApp.

A driver will then arrive and pick up the passenger, in a cab sometimes branded with another company’s logo, and often demand cash and a higher fare.

“They are illegal, dodgy and very unsafe,” an 13cabs spokeswoman said. “These people do not use taxi meters, or vehicle tracking and they are frequently overcharging the customer.

13cabs has been inundated with complaints about dodgy trips made through fake booking websites. Supplied by 13cabs

“Often these dodgy sites don’t have au, or are misspelled. They can look very much like our website. They are taking money away from our hardworking drivers who are all professionally trained. It’s unfair and un-Australian.”

The spokeswoman said all complaints were immediately reported to Point to Point, the NSW transport regulator, which then works to remove the websites as they aren’t accredited Booking Service Providers.

A Point to Point spokeswoman said its compliance team was working with 13cabs.

A 13cabs taxi driver. Photo: Andrew J Morley

“Safety is the commissioner’s priority. It is important that passengers feel safe when they are in a taxi or hire vehicle, including rideshare,” she said.

“Anyone providing a passenger service must be authorised by the Point to Point Transport Commissioner, significant penalties apply for anyone found providing unauthorised services.”

NSW Taxi Council CEO Nick Abrahim said the organisation was aware of the complaints, saying “everybody in the chain” had been affected and they had been working with Point to Point to “stamp out” the issue.

“The passengers need to be aware about the legitimacy around the service providers they’re choosing to book with,” he said.

“Part of that is how [the providers] present themselves as a brand … and how passengers access their service, including from the website.”

An Australian Competition and Consumer Commission spokeswoman encouraged consumers and businesses to conduct independent research before engaging with online organisations “to ensure you know who you’re dealing with”.

“Searching the name of the company together with the word ‘scam’ can assist,” she said.

Scams can also be reported to the National Anti-Scam Centre via Scamwatch.gov.au.

Anyone providing an unauthorised taxi or booking service can face penalties of up to $110,000, while drivers who take bookings or carry out trips will also face fines.