Bengaluru commuters are raising alarm over a growing online scam involving fake Rapido apps that mimic the original interface to overcharge unsuspecting passengers. A Bengaluru woman’s LinkedIn post alleging that her Rapido driver used a fake version of the app to overcharge her has sparked widespread concern among commuters.
Her detailed account, describing how she almost fell victim to a scam disguised under Rapido’s familiar interface, has gone viral, with several others sharing similar experiences. Just days earlier, a Reddit user had reported a nearly identical incident, raising fears of a growing digital fraud trend targeting ride-hailing users in Bengaluru.
“New Rapido scam! So here’s what happened with us recently. We booked a Rapido cab from Bangalore Airport to our home. The app showed a fare of Rs 532,” Goel wrote in a now viral post on Linkedin.
Responding to Meenal’s post, Rapido assured that they are investigating the matter.
Alleged Scam: Fare Shock After Smooth Ride
A user, Meenal Goel, recently took to LinkedIn to share her experience after booking a Rapido cab from Kempegowda International Airport to her home in Bengaluru. According to her post, the app displayed a fare of ₹532 at the time of booking. The ride went smoothly, but upon arrival, the driver claimed his app showed ₹650.
When she refused to pay the inflated fare, the driver insisted that his app was correct and asked her to pay immediately, citing another pending ride. Suspicious, she asked to see his phone, and realized that although the app looked identical to Rapido’s interface, it was in fact a fake application showing a higher fare.
Once confronted, the driver allegedly admitted to using a counterfeit app. Meenal added that since the official Rapido app showed no such ride completion or transaction, she was unable to raise a complaint or seek a refund through the platform.
“After a small argument, we asked to check his phone closely. Turns out, he wasn’t using Rapido at all. Once we pointed it out, he panicked and admitted that he’d been using this fake app,” she wrote.
Another Commuter Alleges Similar Fraud via Reddit
A similar experience surfaced on Reddit just days later. The user claimed to have booked a Rapido ride from Bengaluru’s Terminal 2 to Jakkur for ₹598. After the trip, the driver reportedly showed him a screen that displayed ₹758.
Though the interface looked genuine, the passenger noticed that his own app still showed the ride as “in progress.” Upon closer inspection, he discovered that the driver was using a fake app called TownRide, allegedly designed to resemble Rapido’s UI but allowing manual fare manipulation.
When confronted, the driver allegedly confessed that he had been using the fake app “for a long time.” The commuter refused to pay the inflated amount, insisted on paying only the official fare shown on his own app, and ended the ride safely.
How These Fake Apps Operate
These fraudulent platforms are designed to mirror the appearance of the legitimate apps, with identical logos, colors, and layouts. The scam works by showing a higher fare at the end of the ride while the real Rapido app remains active and unaffected on the passenger’s device.
Because the real app never registers the transaction as completed, victims reportedly cannot generate a valid invoice, rate the driver, or lodge an official complaint, making it difficult to recover the extra money paid.
Rapido Responds to the Viral Post
Rapido responded to the alleged scam flagged by Meenal, “Hi Meenal, we understand your concern, and such practices are completely unacceptable. We take incidents like this very seriously. Please know that we are actively investigating the issue and will thoroughly look into it. Kindly allow us some time to resolve this, and appropriate action will be taken. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.”
How to Stay Safe from Fake App Scams
1. Verify the app during the ride: Before sharing your OTP, confirm that the driver’s app displays the same interface and same fare as yours. If anything seems unusual, cancel immediately.
2. Always cross-check fare details: At the end of the trip, compare the amount shown on your own Rapido app before making any payment.
3. Pay only via the official app: Avoid paying drivers directly through cash, QR codes, or links shared outside the app.
4. Report suspicious drivers: If you suspect fraud, note the vehicle number and report it via Rapido’s in-app support, social media handles, or email support channels.
A Reminder for Digital Commuters
The alleged incidents serve as a wake-up call for app users who rely heavily on digital mobility platforms. While ride-hailing apps like Rapido have made commuting more convenient, scams are evolving just as fast.
Staying alert, verifying app details, and insisting on transparency at every step remain the best ways to stay safe on the road.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This disturbing scam reflects the vulnerability of consumers relying on digital services for essential transportation. It highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and rigorous technological safeguards in ride-hailing platforms.
Equally, it calls for empowered passengers capable of identifying and resisting fraudulent practices. The Logical Indian advocates for stronger regulatory frameworks, platform responsibility, and continued community education to foster safer urban mobility.
Disclaimer: The experiences mentioned in this article are based on social media posts and have not been independently verified. Rapido has not issued an official comment on the matter.
