Rapido, a popular bike taxi service in India, has become a lifeline for many commuters who prefer faster travel in cities like Hyderabad, where traffic congestion is a common issue. However, this convenience has also attracted the attention of scammers, who have devised schemes to exploit both passengers and bike captains.

One of the latest scams making rounds in Hyderabad specifically targets Rapido bike captains. Here’s how the scam typically unfolds:

The Scam Breakdown

1. Fake Ride Request from Hospitals: The scammer books a ride from a location near or at a hospital, giving the appearance of urgency. The hospital setting makes it seem more legitimate, as the rider could be in a situation where they cannot speak directly (e.g., attending a patient).
2. Request for Personal Number: Using the Rapido chat feature, the scammer asks the bike captain for their personal phone number, under the pretext that it is for their “brother” or someone who cannot communicate properly through the app.
3. Fake Payment Confirmation: After the captain agrees to the ride and exchanges numbers, the scammer calls, claiming they are paying the fare upfront for the ride using net banking. They send a fake message that looks like a bank credit alert to the captain’s phone.
4. Ride Cancellation: After the fake payment notification is sent, the scammer cancels the ride, creating confusion. They immediately call back and ask the captain to refund the money since the ride was canceled. Given the realistic nature of the alert and their apparent good intentions, some captains fall prey to this manipulation.

Real Stories from Hyderabad’s Rapido Bike Captains

1. Story of Sameer Khan (Name Changed for Privacy):
   Sameer, a 28-year-old Rapido captain, received a ride request from near Osmania General Hospital. The person, claiming to be a brother of the patient, sent a message asking for Sameer’s personal number, as the “patient” needed immediate help and couldn’t communicate through the app. Trusting the urgency of the situation, Sameer shared his number. Shortly after, he received a call stating the fare was being paid in advance, followed by a convincing fake credit alert. The ride was canceled, and the scammer, speaking in a distressed tone, requested a refund due to the emergency. Sameer transferred ₹500, only to later realize the payment never arrived in his account.
2. Story of Vishal Reddy (Name Changed for Privacy):
   Vishal, a Rapido captain working in the busy Jubilee Hills area, got a request from a local clinic. The rider said he was booking the ride for his younger brother, who needed to reach another hospital. The rider asked for Vishal’s personal number, saying the app chat was not working properly. Shortly after, Vishal received a call claiming that ₹700 was transferred via net banking, with a payment alert as proof. When the ride was canceled moments later, the rider asked for an immediate refund, pleading for help in an emergency. Vishal, under pressure, refunded the money. When he checked his bank account later, he found no payment had been credited.
3. Story of Rajesh Rao (Name Changed for Privacy):
   Rajesh, a 35-year-old Rapido captain, received a booking from a prominent hospital in the Secunderabad area. The person claimed they urgently needed the ride for a patient’s brother and asked for Rajesh’s phone number. Rajesh received a fake payment alert showing ₹1000 credited to his account, but within minutes, the scammer canceled the ride, asking for the refund. Despite sensing something off, Rajesh refunded ₹500, thinking it was an emergency situation. After contacting Rapido’s customer support, he realized he had fallen victim to a scam.

How to Protect Yourself as a Rapido Captain

1. Avoid Sharing Personal Numbers: It is essential for captains to avoid sharing personal phone numbers with riders. Communicating through the Rapido app ensures a level of security and accountability.
2. Verify Payments: Always check your bank account before issuing any refunds. Do not trust payment alerts or messages unless you see the money reflected in your account.
3. Report Suspicious Behavior: If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it immediately to Rapido’s customer support and, if necessary, local authorities. The quicker such incidents are reported, the better the chances of preventing similar scams from happening to others.
4. Educate Other Captains: It’s important for captains to share their experiences with fellow drivers to build awareness around the issue. The more informed captains are about these scams, the less likely they are to become victims.

Conclusion

As the popularity of ride-hailing platforms like Rapido continues to grow, so do the number of scams that exploit both riders and captains. The best defense against such fraudulent activities is awareness and caution. Rapido captains, especially in cities like Hyderabad, must remain vigilant and always double-check any transactions before proceeding.