Bengaluru airport taxi scam exposed: Fake app inflates fares by Rs 1,000

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

A Bengaluru resident has raised the alarm about a fraudulent taxi scheme targeting passengers at Kempegowda International Airport. Mahesh Suthar, a tech professional, shared his experience on social media, warning travellers to be vigilant about a fake app used by some taxi drivers to inflate fares. Suthar recounted that after landing at the airport, he booked a taxi where the driver used an app resembling Uber to "start the trip." However, upon reaching his destination, the fare was inflated by Rs 1,000. When Suthar questioned the exorbitant charge, the driver claimed it was due to GST (Goods and Services Tax).

The driver also refused to issue a proper receipt, stating it would be sent electronically at a later date. Realising the scam, Suthar investigated the app and identified it as “Blumeter.” According to him, the app is designed to mimic Uber’s interface while enabling drivers to manipulate fares by adding arbitrary surge pricing. In his social media post, Suthar wrote: "What an inventive new scam by @BLRAirport taxi today. This dude showed me an exact replica of @Uber app when he started and ended the trip with 1000 bucks extra baked in. Said the extra is because of GST, and when I asked for the bill, he said I’ll get it next month.

So cute!" He further explained how the scam operates: “They use an Android app called Blumeter, which looks just like Uber. The driver clicks a ‘start trip’ button to gain your trust and then ends the trip with a much higher amount displayed." Suthar’s warning has gained significant attention online, with many calling for stricter regulation and oversight of taxi services at Bengaluru airport. Travellers are urged to double-check app interfaces and fare breakdowns to avoid falling victim to such scams.