New taxi scam in Chile defrauds passengers with card payments

A new taxi scam is targeting passengers in Chile, where individuals are shown low fares on payment terminals but are subsequently charged significantly higher amounts to their credit cards. Some victims have reported being defrauded of sums as high as 200,000 Chilean pesos (approximately $215 USD).

Authorities suspect that the payment devices used in taxis have been compromised with malware. This malicious software reportedly alters the amount displayed to the customer, creating a discrepancy between the fare seen and the amount actually debited from their account. Carabineros, Chile's national police force, confirmed this modus operandi.

This scam highlights a growing concern over digital fraud in transportation services. Passengers are advised to remain vigilant, carefully check their bank statements for any unauthorized charges, and report suspicious transactions immediately. While the article does not specify which taxi companies or payment processors are affected, the revelation serves as a warning to consumers using taxi services and paying with cards.