Fraud in Zagreb. PLN 6.4 1000 per kilometer by taxi! How do you defend yourself on vacation?

A dream journey across Europe can turn into a nightmare in 1 moment, and the cost of one, seemingly innocent taxi ride, can ruin the full vacation budget. fresh Zealander Carol Cowan, who paid an astronomical amount in Zagreb, found this to be true. 1506 EUR, i.e. over PLN 6.4 thousand, for only a kilometer course. This shocking story, described by the Croatian portal jutarnji.hr, is an urgent informing for all tourists, including Poles, planning abroad trips. Unfortunately, akin practices of unfair carriers happen in many popular destinations, and the fraud mechanics can be amazingly simple and effective. Learn the details of this dramatic situation and learn how to effectively defend yourself from specified traps so that your vacation does not end in a financial disaster.

How did an incredible fraud happen in Zagreb?

Carol Cowan arrived in Zagreb by train, tired and thirsty for rest. From the main station, just over a kilometer from its location on Frankopanska Street, she decided to take a taxi. She noticed a man based on a car who, on her question, confirmed to be a taxi driver, despite the deficiency of any markings on the vehicle. That was the first informing signal. The driver stated that he only accepted cash, but erstwhile Cowan said he had only 65 euros, he agreed to pay with a card. After moving, the taximeter began to indicate incredibly advanced amounts – first 42, then 85. A afraid tourist, seeing the price list with the letters besides tiny to read, tried to interrupt the course, but the driver insisted on continuing, claiming to call his “chief” with a payment terminal. It was a crucial minute of manipulation leading to a financial disaster.

Dramatic consequences for the tourist and her journey

After arriving, the taximeter indicated 185 euros. The driver of the “grace” offered a “price” of up to 150 euros. Carol, in a state of shock and crying, agreed. Then, at the time of the card payment, there was a key manipulation. The driver took the card from her hand and put it in the terminal himself. Although the display showed 150, Carol suspects that the taxi driver at the last minute added the figure ‘6’, changing the amount to EUR 1506. The deficiency of a receipt and the rush of the driver caused her doubts only after a fewer hours. erstwhile she checked the balance, she saw a shocking amount of EUR 1506. This meant losing more than half of her budget for an eight-week trip. Despaired woman, fearing further theft, immediately cancelled all further plans and booked a return flight to fresh Zealand. This incidental ruined her first real journey after 10 years of caring for a seriously sick husband she had lost a year earlier, showing the tremendous emotional and financial dimension of this fraud.

Taxi driver version and the reality of reporting fraud

Journalists of the Croatian portal contacted the owner of the taxi company, who presented a different version of the events. He claimed that he was not the 1 driving the cab, but another driver who did not have a terminal. He explained that he had borrowed his terminal, but did not see what was in the device due to the rain. erstwhile journalists asked how, if he had to transfer specified a advanced amount from his account, the owner became aggressive, suggesting that the case was handled by the police if a crime occurred. He added that no 1 from the police had contacted him yet, even though a tourist had reported the full case. This situation underlines how hard it is to prove fraud and recover money in specified cases, especially erstwhile the victim is simply a foreigner and local law enforcement authorities may not be sufficiently involved.

How do you defend yourself from akin traps on a journey?

Carol Cowan's communicative is simply a valuable warning. To avoid similar, costly experiences, it is worth following respective key principles:

• Choose only authoritative taxis: usage licensed stops, see if the vehicle has clear taxi markings (e.g. cock, licence number, company name). Avoid cars without markings that drivers solicit tourists.
• Use mobile applications: Applications specified as Uber, Bolt or local counterparts frequently offer price transparency and way tracking. Payment is made through the app, which eliminates the hazard of terminal manipulation.
• Set the price before the course: Always ask for an estimation of the price of the journey to the destination before starting the trip. In case of doubt, ask for a price list.
• Watch the taximeter: Make certain the taximeter is on and shows the real price. If the amount grows besides fast or seems astronomical, immediately ask to halt the vehicle and leave.
• Pay in cash (if possible): If you pay in cash, carry tiny denominations and do not show the full contents of your wallet. If you gotta pay by card, never let the driver take it out of your hand or put it in the terminal yourself.
• Keep alert at the terminal: Always insert the card into the terminal and make certain that the displayed amount is correct before entering the PIN. Always request a receipt, and if the driver refuses, study it to the bank immediately.
• Have an emergency plan: Always have access to public transport or trusted alternatives. Save the number for the local tourist police.

Remember that vigilance and awareness of possible threats are your best defence against unfair practices. Don't let 1 incidental ruin all the pleasance of the journey.