Bengaluru Woman Flags Fake Rapido App Scam Used to Overcharge Passengers

 

A Bengaluru-based woman has cautioned commuters to stay alert after allegedly encountering a driver using a fake version of the Rapido app to inflate fares.

In a viral post shared on LinkedIn and Instagram, Meenal Goel described how a Rapido cab driver attempted to overcharge her by showing a counterfeit app that closely resembled the official one.

“New Rapido scam! We booked a Rapido cab from Bangalore Airport to our home. The app showed a fare of ₹532,” Goel wrote. However, at the end of the trip, the driver demanded ₹650, claiming his app displayed the higher amount.

Goel said she became suspicious when the fare shown on her genuine Rapido app didn’t match the driver’s. “We asked him to show his app, and it looked exactly like Rapido – same interface, same colours – except it showed ₹650 instead of ₹532,” she said.

Upon closer inspection, she discovered that the driver was using a fake app designed to mimic Rapido’s interface. “Once we pointed it out, he panicked and admitted to using the counterfeit app,” she added.

Goel also noted that there was no record of the ride on her official Rapido account, making it impossible to file a complaint or request a refund.

“Always double-check the app on the driver’s phone before paying, especially if they say the fare is different,” she advised in her post.

Responding to the viral complaint, Rapido issued a statement apologising for the incident and confirming that the driver’s account had been suspended.

“Such practices are absolutely unacceptable, and we take incidents like this very seriously. We have thoroughly investigated the matter and taken necessary action. Your safety and trust are of utmost importance to us,” the company said.

Police have not yet confirmed whether a formal complaint has been filed in connection with the incident.