TIP OF THE WEEK
RIDE SNARE
Last week I got caught in a fake taxi scam at Melbourne Airport. I had just arrived at Terminal 4 from Townsville late at night and the car I had booked didn’t turn up. As I was waiting, a white late model SUV arrived and the driver called out that he was my car. I loaded my luggage in the back and got in the back seat tired from a long day. As we entered the freeway the driver turned to me and said that he wasn’t an Uber and it would cost me $250 on a card or $159 cash. He didn’t know how to get to my destination so I had to give him directions and when we arrived he wouldn’t release my luggage after I offered him $100 cash, so I called the police. He eventually gave me my luggage and took off rapidly. I was able to get a partial number plate photo and have reported it to Melbourne Airport.
Robert Bradshaw, Ashwood, Vic
Editor’s note: We contacted Melbourne Airport about this incident. The airport advises that passengers should only use the designated Uber pick-up areas, and check driver details before entering the car.
LETTER OF THE WEEK
US OF YAY
I flew to Los Angeles on December 17 to spend Christmas with family and to meet a new granddaughter. Beautiful weather meant outdoor activities, hikes, and outdoor eating, masks were worn without question and vaccination status checked at indoor venues. Don’t miss the newly opened Academy…
