A routine late-night auto-rickshaw ride in Bengaluru turned into a distressing ordeal for a family, exposing a cunning fraud technique allegedly used by some drivers. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, involved a sophisticated 'note-swapping' trick that left the victims both financially cheated and feeling vulnerable.
The Nightmare Journey from Majestic
The victim, Anantha Kallapur, was travelling with his wife and daughter from Majestic in central Bengaluru around 2.15 am. Their destination was Banashankari 3rd Stage, a route for which the standard fare typically ranges between Rs 175 and Rs 200. However, upon reaching their drop-off point, the driver refused to accept the regular fare. Instead, he insisted on payment based on a 'double meter', an immediate red flag for the tired family.
The Sophisticated Note-Swapping Scam
The situation escalated during payment. In the poorly lit area, Kallapur handed the driver a Rs 500 note. Demonstrating what the victim described as 'professional agility', the driver swiftly swapped the high-value note for a Rs 100 note. He then claimed that Kallapur had only given him Rs 100, accusing him of shortchanging.
When Kallapur, likely confused by the sudden claim, provided another Rs 500 note, the driver repeated the same trick. Once again, he insisted he had received only a Rs 100 note. This deliberate confusion and false accusation put the family in a difficult spot.
Forced Payment and Social Media Alert
Feeling exhausted and concerned for his family's safety on the deserted street, Kallapur felt he had no choice but to capitulate to the driver's demands to end the confrontation. In total, he ended up paying a staggering Rs 1,670 to the auto-rickshaw driver.
Although the family did not file a formal police complaint, Kallapur took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to report the incident directly to the Bengaluru city police. In his post, he shared crucial details, including the auto-rickshaw's registration number, to alert the authorities and warn other citizens.
This incident sheds light on the persistent challenges faced by commuters in the city, especially during late-night hours. It underscores the need for heightened vigilance when handling cash transactions in low-light conditions and the importance of reporting such crimes, even via digital platforms, to hold perpetrators accountable.
