Taxi scams at New York City airports are rampant and relentless, with some unlicensed drivers raking in hundreds of dollars from unsuspecting tourists. These hustlers often target travelers who look lost or disoriented, coaxing them into giving them rides that end up costing far more than the initial estimate.
In a case that highlights the issue, a Kenyan couple, Tabitha Abed and her husband, were taken for $800 by a driver who charged them an exorbitant fee to drive from JFK Airport to their hotel in Midtown. The trip should have cost around $70, but the driver demanded cash upfront, leaving the couple with little choice but to pay.
Such incidents are not isolated, with many reports of taxi hustlers operating at all major airports, including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International. According to Port Authority officials, hundreds of unlicensed drivers have been spotted soliciting rides at terminals in recent months.
The problem is complicated by the fact that Uber and Lyft have dominated the city's for-hire vehicle industry, leaving licensed taxi drivers struggling to make ends meet. The hustle only exacerbates this issue, squeezing out even more revenue from what remains a dwindling market.
To spot a scam, experts recommend being wary of drivers who approach you directly and offer rides at an unregulated price. Genuine taxi services operate under strict regulations, and licensed drivers are required to use official dispatch lines or designated pick-up points.
However, enforcement efforts by the Port Authority have been criticized for being ineffective in pushing out hustlers. Many drivers remain undeterred, citing financial necessity as a reason for continuing their illicit activities. The agency's own spokesperson acknowledges that taxi hustling is "criminal," but admits that it is a complex issue to tackle due to the limited resources available.
Until enforcement improves and more awareness is generated among travelers about how to avoid scams, those who want to use taxis at airports will remain vulnerable to exploitation.
In a case that highlights the issue, a Kenyan couple, Tabitha Abed and her husband, were taken for $800 by a driver who charged them an exorbitant fee to drive from JFK Airport to their hotel in Midtown. The trip should have cost around $70, but the driver demanded cash upfront, leaving the couple with little choice but to pay.
Such incidents are not isolated, with many reports of taxi hustlers operating at all major airports, including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International. According to Port Authority officials, hundreds of unlicensed drivers have been spotted soliciting rides at terminals in recent months.
The problem is complicated by the fact that Uber and Lyft have dominated the city's for-hire vehicle industry, leaving licensed taxi drivers struggling to make ends meet. The hustle only exacerbates this issue, squeezing out even more revenue from what remains a dwindling market.
To spot a scam, experts recommend being wary of drivers who approach you directly and offer rides at an unregulated price. Genuine taxi services operate under strict regulations, and licensed drivers are required to use official dispatch lines or designated pick-up points.
However, enforcement efforts by the Port Authority have been criticized for being ineffective in pushing out hustlers. Many drivers remain undeterred, citing financial necessity as a reason for continuing their illicit activities. The agency's own spokesperson acknowledges that taxi hustling is "criminal," but admits that it is a complex issue to tackle due to the limited resources available.
Until enforcement improves and more awareness is generated among travelers about how to avoid scams, those who want to use taxis at airports will remain vulnerable to exploitation.
omg these airport taxi scammers are like the ultimate tourists' worst nightmare. they're always lurking around, preying on people who look lost or clueless. i mean, who doesn't know that you shouldn't just get into a random cab at JFK? 
it's crazy how some people can make a killing off unsuspecting tourists. and the fact that Uber/Lyft has kinda ruined the taxi industry for legit drivers doesn't help... it's like, we feel you, licensed cabbies, but these scammers are just taking advantage of the situation. 
have u ever had to deal with one of these scams? 
! Like, come on people, do your research before you get in a ride. It's not that hard to spot an unlicensed driver who's just gonna take advantage of tourists. And honestly, Uber and Lyft are the main culprits here - they've taken over so much of the market, leaving legit taxi drivers high and dry.
These taxi drivers are like thieves in the night, preying on people who are already stressed and tired from traveling. I feel so bad for Tabitha and her hubby, they were totally taken advantage of 
. We need to support our local taxi drivers who are doing it right and not these hustlers who don't care about anyone but themselves 
! We can't let these people ruin the experience for others just for a few extra bucks 
Ugh, this is crazy! I was at JFK last year and saw a guy literally take advantage of an elderly woman by charging her triple the fare... it's disgusting 
. You would think that with all the tech we have today, taxi companies could set up systems to vet drivers and ensure they're legitimate... but nope, the hustlers are always one step ahead