Since December 2024, an organized gang of fake taxis has made itself comfortable in the most touristy spots of the capital, like Trocadéro, Montmartre, and Opéra, to carry out a scam that's as simple as it is effective. Honestly, if the idea weren't so criminal, we'd almost be impressed.
The payment terminal trap: from 19 to 1,900 euros
This trick relies on a clever manipulation of payment terminals, and the technique is super simple: at the moment of payment, the taxi driver changes the amount displayed on his device on the fly. This way, a standard fare of 19 euros instantly turns into a charge of 1,900 euros. To make the dark magic work, the scammers primarily target wealthy, hurried, or distracted tourists, who...
ui settles with contactless using their smartphone. And to ensure that no one raises an eyebrow before validation, the payment terminal screen is deliberately scratched, covered, or made unreadable to hide the actual amount.
Cutting-edge logistics
The vehicles were equipped with fake license plates, and the drivers were organized in a network via Snapchat. In short, a scam start-up, with all the organizational rigor we would have loved to see elsewhere. A well-oiled network since December 2024, methodically targeting tourists at the most iconic spots in the city. Great work, in the wrong sense of the term.
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The End of the Race and Return to Reality
Good news! In early June 2026, the four main suspects were arrested and are now in provisional detention. They face up to ten years in prison for organized fraud, concealment, and money laundering.
Paris, the City of Light and Eye-Popping Prices
What makes this situation even more "delicious" is that legal taxis in Paris are already, let’s say, generous with their pricing. Roissy to Paris? A minimum of 56 euros. A weeknight trip in the 10th district? Be ready to pay more. So when fake taxis decide to multiply the fare by 100, we can't help but wonder when the capital decided that getting around was a luxury reserved for the rich.
Paris, the City of Light, is also the city where your wallet can vanish faster than light. In the meantime, the police department promises to strengthen checks around tourist sites.