Travelers, stay alert! Uncover the taxi scam targeting major US airports—here’s how to stay safe
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As you step off the plane, the excitement of a new adventure sets in.
Whether you’re visiting family, heading on a long-awaited vacation, or returning home, there’s one last step before you can truly relax—getting from the airport to your destination.
For many travelers, this part of the journey seems simple.
You grab your bags, head to a taxi stand, and you’re on your way. But in some major US airports, particularly in New York, scammers are waiting for an opportunity to take advantage of weary passengers.
The GrayVine is here to make sure your travels are not only enjoyable but also safe.
We’re shedding light on the rise of fake taxi scams at some of the busiest airports in the country and giving you the knowledge you need to avoid falling victim to these schemes.
Picture this: You’re exhausted from a long flight, making your way through a busy airport when someone offers you a ride, promising a cheaper fare than the official taxis.
It sounds tempting, but this is a well-known scam called "taxi hustling," where unauthorized drivers lure in travelers with misleading claims.
According to the New York Port Authority, there has been a 110% increase in court summonses for unauthorized taxi solicitations at LaGuardia and JFK airports since 2022.
Despite efforts from airport authorities—including warning signs and official recommendations to use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft—scammers are still actively targeting unsuspecting passengers.
The Port Authority is taking action to curb these scams.
A spokesperson shared that they are "fully committed to fighting unlawful taxi solicitation at our airports" and are working with law enforcement to issue heavy fines to violators.
To strengthen enforcement, officials have deployed plainclothes police officers, restricted parking areas, and even started impounding unattended vehicles used in these scams.
Additionally, the Taxi & Limousine Commission has stepped in to support these efforts. However, despite these measures, unauthorized taxi hustlers continue to find ways to operate.
In response to the issue, airports like JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia have launched awareness campaigns featuring posters and videos at arrival gates.
These materials remind travelers that legitimate drivers will never approach them directly.
Additionally, a new pilot program at JFK’s taxi hold area encourages licensed taxi drivers to report unauthorized vehicles, adding an extra layer of oversight.
Airlines such as JetBlue have also begun warning passengers about these scams, ensuring travelers are informed before they even land.
A Real-Life Cautionary Tale
For some, falling for this scam has led to a frustrating and expensive ordeal. Take Sophie Winfield, for example, who had just arrived after a 20-hour journey with her husband.
As they exited the airport, a man who appeared to be an official attendant directed them away from the designated taxi stand.
Despite their request for a metered ride, they were charged an outrageous $275 for a 25-minute trip—more than double what it should have been.
After a stressful back-and-forth, they managed to negotiate the fare down to $150, but by then, the damage was done. It was not the warm welcome they had imagined for their honeymoon.
Source: Facebook / Sophie Winfield.
To ensure you don’t become the next victim of a taxi scam, keep these safety tips in mind:
Staying informed and cautious can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and hassle-free journey. By using official transportation services, staying aware of common scams, and trusting your instincts, you can avoid falling victim to taxi hustlers.
Read next: Get ready for 2025: your cash is about to look completely different—find out why!
Have you ever experienced a taxi scam at an airport? Do you have advice on how to stay safe while traveling? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s help each other stay informed and travel with confidence.
Whether you’re visiting family, heading on a long-awaited vacation, or returning home, there’s one last step before you can truly relax—getting from the airport to your destination.
For many travelers, this part of the journey seems simple.
You grab your bags, head to a taxi stand, and you’re on your way. But in some major US airports, particularly in New York, scammers are waiting for an opportunity to take advantage of weary passengers.
The GrayVine is here to make sure your travels are not only enjoyable but also safe.
We’re shedding light on the rise of fake taxi scams at some of the busiest airports in the country and giving you the knowledge you need to avoid falling victim to these schemes.
Unauthorized taxi drivers are targeting travelers at major US airports—learn how to spot and avoid these scams. Image Source: Pexels / Ono Kosuki.
The Growing Problem of Fake Taxis
Picture this: You’re exhausted from a long flight, making your way through a busy airport when someone offers you a ride, promising a cheaper fare than the official taxis.
It sounds tempting, but this is a well-known scam called "taxi hustling," where unauthorized drivers lure in travelers with misleading claims.
According to the New York Port Authority, there has been a 110% increase in court summonses for unauthorized taxi solicitations at LaGuardia and JFK airports since 2022.
Despite efforts from airport authorities—including warning signs and official recommendations to use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft—scammers are still actively targeting unsuspecting passengers.
Also read: New warning for email users: The scam that tricks you into handing over control
What Officials Are Doing to Stop These Scams
The Port Authority is taking action to curb these scams.
A spokesperson shared that they are "fully committed to fighting unlawful taxi solicitation at our airports" and are working with law enforcement to issue heavy fines to violators.
To strengthen enforcement, officials have deployed plainclothes police officers, restricted parking areas, and even started impounding unattended vehicles used in these scams.
Additionally, the Taxi & Limousine Commission has stepped in to support these efforts. However, despite these measures, unauthorized taxi hustlers continue to find ways to operate.
Raising Awareness: What Airports Are Doing
In response to the issue, airports like JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia have launched awareness campaigns featuring posters and videos at arrival gates.
These materials remind travelers that legitimate drivers will never approach them directly.
Additionally, a new pilot program at JFK’s taxi hold area encourages licensed taxi drivers to report unauthorized vehicles, adding an extra layer of oversight.
Airlines such as JetBlue have also begun warning passengers about these scams, ensuring travelers are informed before they even land.
Also read: Paws off our savings! The crypto scam preying on vulnerable seniors
A Real-Life Cautionary Tale
For some, falling for this scam has led to a frustrating and expensive ordeal. Take Sophie Winfield, for example, who had just arrived after a 20-hour journey with her husband.
As they exited the airport, a man who appeared to be an official attendant directed them away from the designated taxi stand.
Despite their request for a metered ride, they were charged an outrageous $275 for a 25-minute trip—more than double what it should have been.
After a stressful back-and-forth, they managed to negotiate the fare down to $150, but by then, the damage was done. It was not the warm welcome they had imagined for their honeymoon.
Source: Facebook / Sophie Winfield.
Also read: Don’t fall for this costly scam: How a “compromised device” alert stole $45,000 from a couple!
How to Protect Yourself
To ensure you don’t become the next victim of a taxi scam, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Use Official Taxi Services – Always head to the designated taxi stand or use a trusted ride-sharing app.
- Be Wary of Solicitors – If someone approaches you offering a ride, be cautious. Licensed drivers will never seek out passengers inside the airport.
- Know the Expected Fare – Research the typical rates from the airport to your destination in advance. If a driver’s price seems too high, trust your instincts.
- Look for Airport Signage – Pay attention to official transportation instructions at the airport.
- Report Suspicious Behavior – If you encounter a potential scam, notify airport security or local authorities.
Staying informed and cautious can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and hassle-free journey. By using official transportation services, staying aware of common scams, and trusting your instincts, you can avoid falling victim to taxi hustlers.
Read next: Get ready for 2025: your cash is about to look completely different—find out why!
Have you ever experienced a taxi scam at an airport? Do you have advice on how to stay safe while traveling? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s help each other stay informed and travel with confidence.
