A rogue Auckland taxi company has left concertgoers furious after charging exorbitant fees, including a shocking $270 for a 3km trip following a sold-out Coldplay concert. Victims of the scam have called the ordeal “daylight robbery,” while authorities struggle to hold the fraudulent operation accountable.
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A $270 Ride for a Mother and Daughter
Christchurch mother-of-three Lydia and her daughter attended a Coldplay concert at Eden Park on November 15. Unable to find public transport or access ridesharing apps, they reluctantly hailed a taxi marked “Northland Cabs Papakura.”
What seemed like a simple 3km ride turned into a nightmare when Lydia was charged twice—once for the ride itself and again for a mysterious “card activation fee” of $195.80. The total charge for the short journey? An outrageous $270.82.
“Before we even took off, the driver said he needed to verify my card with a small fee. I thought it would be $1 or something,” Lydia recalled.
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When they reached their destination, she was charged $75 for the ride—already steep for the distance traveled. But the next morning, she discovered the additional $195.80 charge, leaving her bank account drained.
“The fact that he took money before we even got going is insane. I felt so vulnerable and just completely ripped off,” Lydia said.
Attempts to trace “Northland Cabs Papakura” have been fruitless, as the company appears to have no online presence, and its supposed GST number doesn’t match any registered business.
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Another Couple Fleeced for $176
Just hours after Lydia’s ordeal, another South Island couple fell victim to what may have been the same driver. After enjoying a night out in Kingsland following the concert, they hailed an unmarked taxi and negotiated a $16 cash fare for a 3km ride to their hotel in Newmarket.
The driver agreed, but when the couple realized they didn’t have cash, they paid via card instead. The next morning, their bank statement revealed a $176 charge—over ten times the agreed amount.
“We thought it was just a mistake, but when we couldn’t find the company online, we realized we’d been ripped off,” the woman said.
Recurring Issues with a Fake Name
Adding to the confusion, a legitimate Northland-based taxi service, Northland Taxi Shuttles & Tours, has been receiving “weekly” calls from angry customers mistaking them for the rogue Auckland operator.
“It’s frustrating because it’s not us,” a spokesperson said. “Most people understand once we explain, but these scammers seem to target big events.”
Authorities Unable to Act
Lydia reported the incident to her bank, which advised her the driver could potentially face fraud charges. However, police declined to open an investigation, citing insufficient evidence.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has received 27 complaints this year about small passenger services, including 12 in the Upper North Island region. A Commerce Commission spokesperson suggested the rogue company might be operating under multiple names, making enforcement more difficult.
Victims have been advised to file claims with the Disputes Tribunal, but the lack of receipts and transparency makes recovering funds a challenge.
A Tarnished Reputation for Taxis
For Lydia, the experience has been deeply upsetting. “I feel like I let my daughter down,” she said. “I already have severe anxiety, and this just makes it worse. I’ll never take a taxi again—I’d rather hike in the rain.”
The South Island couple echoed similar sentiments, saying the experience left them “gutted” and skeptical of taxi services.
How to Protect Yourself
Authorities are urging passengers to take precautions when using small passenger services:
- Use trusted ridesharing apps or registered taxi companies.
- Avoid unmarked taxis.
- Ask for a clear fare estimate before starting the journey.
- Always request a receipt.
A Call for Accountability
Victims like Lydia are demanding justice and hoping to warn others about the scam. “This guy needs to be held accountable. It’s not just about the money—it’s the principle. He’s exploiting people who just want to get home safely,” she said.
With no clear resolution in sight, concertgoers and travelers are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to both their banks and relevant authorities. The hope is that increased awareness will help put an end to this brazen scam targeting unsuspecting passengers.
